KPLC: Planned power outage scheduled for Sunday across three counties

Kenya Power technicians at work./FILE

Kenya Power has announced a scheduled power maintenance exercise for Sunday, May 4, 2025, across parts of  Uasin Gishu, and Embu and Machakos counties.

Residents and businesses in affected areas have been advised to prepare for a full-day power outage.

The maintenance exercise is expected to enhance the reliability and stability of the power supply in the affected regions.

In Uasin Gishu County, the outage will impact the Kapchesukunwo area, including Soin Primary School, Kapkatembu, and surrounding communities. Power will be interrupted from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Embu County will also experience an extensive power disruption, specifically in Embu Town. The affected locations include critical facilities such as the KPLC offices, ABSA Bank, Judiciary, Regional Commissioners’ Offices and Residence, and key commercial centres like Naivas Supermarkets and EMCO.

Prominent hotels such as NOKRAS Hotel and Slopes Hotel, along with institutions like the Izaak Walton, Catholic Church, and the public library, will also be without power. The outage in this area is scheduled for the same duration — from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Meanwhile, in Machakos County, parts of Syokimau will face a power cut from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Areas to be affected include Katani CBD, Katani Seme, Katani Primary School, Epco Quarry, Kenya Builders, and residential zones like Bila Low Ashville Court. Commercial and industrial facilities, such as Shajanad Quarry and Blue Stone, are also on the list.

KPLC has urged residents and businesses in the affected regions to make the necessary arrangements ahead of time.

The company emphasised that the maintenance is crucial for long-term improvements in power service delivery.

WHY POWER INTERRUPTIONS ARE NECESSARY

Kenya Power performs planned and unplanned interruptions for various reasons, including network maintenance, upgrades, connecting new customers, and addressing faults or emergencies.

Network maintenance and upgrades are usually scheduled outages to allow Kenya Power engineers to perform essential maintenance and upgrades on the power grid to enhance reliability and efficiency.

During road construction or other infrastructure projects, power lines may also need to be replaced, requiring temporary outages, but with prior notice to affected customers.

However, unplanned power interruptions can occur due to reasons beyond Kenya Power's control.

These include unforeseen faults and equipment failure, which can lead to power outages requiring temporary service interruptions to fix the fault.

Vandals can also damage power infrastructure, leading to outages and the need for repairs, which may involve temporary power supply interruptions.

Other times, extreme weather conditions like windy rainfall can damage power lines and equipment, causing outages and the need for repairs.

In some instances, wildlife like elephants can cause damage to power lines, leading to outages.