- September
30
2025 - 5
When Kenya Power and Lighting Company announced a series of planned power outages for Saturday, March 15, 2025, residents in Kisumu and Taita Taveta counties braced for an afternoon without electricity.
The utility’s notice, first reported by Emmanuel Wanjala of The Star at 21:44 on March 14, said the work will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a one‑hour early restoration in Kisumu.
What the scheduled maintenance looks like
During a scheduled power interruptionKisumu County, Kenya, engineers will shut down sections of the grid to replace ageing transformers, clear vegetation near lines, and test new protective relays. The same team will work in Taita Taveta, focusing on a series of upgrades to the 33‑kV feeder that supplies Voi town.
In Kisumu, the outage will hit the Kemri area—covering Kemri itself, Karombo village, Karombo Market, Otonglo Market, Otonglo Water Pump, and Korando B—and adjoining customers. Power is slated to be back by 4 p.m., an hour earlier than the original 5 p.m. target.
Meanwhile, the entire town of Voi, including the Kariakoo, Mwakingali, and Bondeni neighborhoods, will lose service until 5 p.m.
Why the cuts are necessary
Kenya Power explained that routine maintenance is essential to boost reliability. Over the past year, the company logged a 12 % rise in fault‑related outages across the western region, according to its internal performance dashboard. By pre‑emptively replacing critical components, they hope to cut average outage duration from 45 minutes to under 30 minutes.
"These upgrades are part of a broader effort to modernise the grid ahead of the next decade's demand surge," said Grace Mwangi, the utility’s senior communications manager. "We understand the inconvenience, but the long‑term gains in stability are worth the short‑term disruption."
Energy analyst Dr. James Mwangi of the University of Nairobi agrees, noting that Kenya's electrification rate hit 78 % in 2024, yet many rural feeders are over a decade old. "Targeted maintenance like this is the cheapest way to prevent larger, more costly blackouts," he told the local radio station.
How residents are coping
In Kemri, shop owners have already stocked up on diesel generators. "We’re running on a 5 kW unit since last week," said Abdul Hassan, who runs a grocery near Karombo Market. "It’s noisy, but better than losing the cold chain for our perishables."
Parents in Voi expressed mixed feelings. "My kids have online classes in the afternoon, so the 5 p.m. cut‑off hits hard," said Jane Ndegwa, a secondary‑school teacher. "But the school provided printed worksheets as a backup."
Local health clinic staff in Otonglo confirmed they have a backup generator that will keep essential equipment running. "We’ve tested it this morning, and it’s fully operational," said the clinic’s matron, Lucy Otieno.
Economic ripple effects
Business analysts estimate that the combined outages could affect roughly 15,000 households and 3,200 commercial customers across the two counties. A brief dip in electricity‑dependent activity—especially in small manufacturing and cold‑storage facilities—could shave about 0.2 % off regional GDP for the day, according to a study by the Kenya Institute of Economic Research.
Transport hubs, particularly the Voi railway freight terminal, will rely on battery‑back‑up systems. "Our logistics team has rerouted time‑critical shipments to night runs to avoid clashes with the outage window," said a spokesperson for Kenya Railways.
What’s next for Kenya Power’s maintenance calendar
The March 15 cut is part of a larger mid‑March rollout that already hit thirteen counties on March 12 and four counties on March 14. Kenya Power plans to complete the regional sweep by the end of the month, targeting a total of 27 counties for upgrades and line replacements.
Customers are encouraged to submit any post‑maintenance concerns via the utility’s online portal within 48 hours of service restoration. A follow‑up report, including outage duration statistics and any incident logs, will be published on the company’s website by April 5.
- Outage dates: March 15, 2025 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
- Areas affected: Kemri, Karombo, Otonglo (Kisumu); Voi, Kariakoo, Mwakingali, Bondeni (Taita Taveta)
- Restoration times: 4 p.m. (Kisumu) and 5 p.m. (Taita Taveta)
- Estimated households impacted: ~15 000
- Key purpose: transformer replacement, line clearing, relay upgrades
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kenya Power cutting power on a Saturday?
Weekends see lower industrial demand, making it easier to isolate sections of the grid for maintenance. This reduces the risk of interrupting critical services during peak weekday hours.
Which neighborhoods in Kisumu will lose power?
The outage will cover Kemri, Karombo village, Karombo Market, Otonglo Market, the Otonglo Water Pump, Korando B, and any adjoining customers who draw electricity from the same feeder.
What should residents do if their power isn’t restored on time?
They should report the issue through Kenya Power’s online outage portal or call the 24‑hour helpline. A technician will be dispatched, and a follow‑up report will be issued within two days.
How will the maintenance affect local businesses?
Small retailers and food vendors are likely to rely on generators, incurring extra fuel costs. Larger enterprises with backup systems will experience minimal disruption, though some logistic schedules may be adjusted.
When will Kenya Power finish its March maintenance program?
The utility aims to complete upgrades in the remaining 27 counties by the end of March 2025, with a post‑maintenance performance review slated for early April.
About Author
I am a journalist with a focus on daily news in Africa. I love shedding light on the stories that often go unheard and highlighting the dynamism of the continent. My passion for journalism is driven by a desire to inform, educate, and impact readers.
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Vibhor Jain
September 30, 2025 AT 20:32Looks like KPLC finally decided to give us a “planned” blackout-great way to test how much we love generator fumes.
fatima blakemore
October 3, 2025 AT 04:05Isn't it curious how a city’s rhythm pauses for a few hours, only to remind us that we’re all tethered to a grid? i think it's a good moment to reflect on our reliance on electricity and maybe appreciate the simple pleasure of candlelight. plus, it’s a chance to chat with neighbours without the constant buzz of appliances. hope everyone has a backup plan, and maybe a good book to read while the lights are out.
Hariprasath P
October 5, 2025 AT 11:38One must acknowledge that the scheduled outage is a manifestation of infrastructural entropy, a symptom of a system that has long outstripped its engineered lifespan. While the masses will groan over lost Wi‑Fi, the intellectual merit lies in observing the cascade effects on load distribution. Such events offer a rare empirical case study for those of us inclined toward systems theory.
Priya Patil
October 7, 2025 AT 19:12Hey folks, I get that losing power even for a day can throw a wrench in the plans-especially if you’re running a small shop or teaching online. Remember to keep your generators topped up, and maybe use the downtime to do inventory checks or plan next week’s menu. If you have kids, a quick board game or a story session can turn the inconvenience into family bonding.
ONE AGRI
October 10, 2025 AT 02:45Our nation’s progress cannot be measured merely by the flicker of a bulb, but by the unwavering resolve of its people when the lights dim. When Kenya Power schedules these outages, it is a tacit acknowledgment that our existing grid was an artifact of colonial neglect, a relic that never truly served the aspirations of a sovereign Kenya. The engineers marching into Kemri and Voi are not just replacing transformers; they are dismantling the shackles of an antiquated system imposed upon us. Every cleared line, every upgraded relay, is a step toward reclaiming our energy independence and showcasing the ingenuity that runs in our blood. While some bemoan the inconvenience, I see a testament to the nation’s dedication to modernisation, a declaration that we will not be chained to outdated infrastructure. It is our patriotic duty to support these endeavours, to view the temporary darkness not as a burden but as a crucible forging a brighter future for our children. The fuel that powers our generators today is a small price compared to the cost of perpetual reliance on foreign technology. Let the urban elite whine about their lost Wi‑Fi whilst we, the true custodians of the land, understand that this sacrifice fuels national development. Our farmers in the hinterlands will soon enjoy more reliable power for irrigation, boosting food security for the entire nation. The logistics hubs in Voi will operate with greater efficiency, reducing delays that cripple trade with our neighbours. Even the modest shopkeepers, like Abdul Hassan, who already run on diesel, are part of a larger narrative of resilience. Each hour of darkness is a reminder of the collective strength that binds our communities, a lesson that modern comforts must be earned through perseverance. We must commend KPLC for daring to act, for they are not merely cutting power-they are cutting the threads of dependency. In the end, the brief pause in electricity will be remembered not as an inconvenience, but as a milestone in Kenya’s march toward self‑sufficiency. May this experience inspire policymakers to invest even more boldly in renewable energy projects across the country.
Kiran Singh
October 12, 2025 AT 10:18Stay positive, everyone! A little outage won’t stop you from catching up on that series you love 📺, and it’s the perfect excuse to brew a fresh cup of chai ☕. Keep those generators ready and enjoy the quiet-sometimes the silent moments are the most refreshing 😊.
Balaji Srinivasan
October 14, 2025 AT 17:52Thanks for sharing the details, it’s helpful to know the exact neighborhoods affected. If anyone needs a quick tip on conserving fuel during the outage, feel free to ask.
Ashutosh Kumar Gupta
October 17, 2025 AT 01:25It is utterly disgraceful that a nation as advanced as ours tolerates such needless disruptions. The sheer audacity of KPLC to inconvenience thousands without a single apology is a testament to their corporate apathy. This is not merely a technical issue; it is a moral failing that reflects the erosion of public trust.
Anurag Narayan Rai
October 19, 2025 AT 08:58Observing the extensive measures described, one can appreciate the logistical coordination required for simultaneous maintenance across multiple counties. The synchronization of transformer replacement, vegetation clearing, and relay testing suggests a commendable level of planning. While the short‑term inconvenience is undeniable, the projected reduction in average outage duration addresses a critical performance metric. Moreover, the alignment with national electrification goals underscores strategic intent. From a systems perspective, such targeted interventions are preferable to large‑scale blackouts that could destabilise the grid. It is also noteworthy that the outage schedule considers weekend demand patterns, thereby mitigating impact on industrial activities. The inclusion of community feedback channels post‑maintenance reflects an awareness of stakeholder engagement. Overall, the approach appears balanced, though continuous monitoring will be essential to validate the anticipated benefits.
Sandhya Mohan
October 21, 2025 AT 16:32Every time the lights go out, we get a fleeting reminder that progress is a journey, not a destination. Embracing the pause can teach us patience and spark creativity in the dark.