Kenya Power has announced a fresh round of scheduled maintenance that will plunge parts of Nairobi and four other counties into darkness tomorrow, Friday, January 30.

The utility firm has issued a notice alerting residents and businesses in Nairobi, Kisii, Nyeri, Migori, and Kisumu to prepare for interruptions that will run for up to eight hours. The company states the outages are necessary to facilitate system upgrades, line maintenance, and the connection of new customers—a routine explanation that does little to soothe the frustrations of a power-dependent economy.

The Affected Areas

In the capital, the blackout will hit affluent suburbs and densely populated estates alike. Residents in Ngong, Kawangware, and parts of Kibera should expect the lights to go out from 9:00 AM.

• Nairobi: Riara Road, Bamboo Lane, Wanyee Road, Nyakinywa Road, Talanta Stadium, Junction Mall, Dagoretti Corner, and Gitanga Road.
• Kisii: Keroka Hilltop Hotel, Ichuni Girls, Keroka TTI, Nyamasibi Market, and surrounding schools.
• Nyeri: Muthinga, Kiriko, Kangaita, Gondo, and Mirichu areas.
• Migori & Kisumu: Specific pockets of these lakeside counties will also face day-long interruptions aimed at stabilizing the western grid.

Disruption to Business

The timing of the cuts—on a Friday—is expected to disrupt operations for thousands of small businesses, from welding shops in Kibera to salons in Kawangware. "To facilitate maintenance" has become a dreaded phrase for entrepreneurs who must now budget for expensive generator fuel to keep their doors open.

Kenya Power maintains that these shutdowns are critical for long-term reliability. However, with the national grid facing scrutiny over recent instability, the patience of the Kenyan consumer is wearing thin. Residents in the affected zones are advised to charge their devices and plan accordingly before the switch is flipped at 9:00 AM.