Nairobi, Kenya — National Campaign Launched to Fix Faulty Power Infrastructure as Blackouts and Electrocutions Surge

In a critical safety and service drive, Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira has announced the launch of a national power infrastructure rehabilitation campaign to tackle recurring blackouts and rising electrocution incidents linked to faulty electricity installations.

Speaking on July 29, 2025, before the National Assembly’s Energy Committee, Wachira detailed the government’s coordinated response to the escalating grid failures that have disrupted daily life across the country.

What the Campaign Entails

• Transformer Replacement: More than 20,000 malfunctioning transformers are scheduled for replacement under a Sh4.3 billion government funding package.

• Safety Repairs Nationwide: Technical teams are actively mapping and repairing hazardous power poles, hanging wires, and exposed lines in areas with frequent power failures.

• Proactive Audits: Regions suffering prolonged outages or presenting electrocution risks will receive priority interventions. Budget expansions have been secured to accelerate projects in vulnerable communities.

Drivers Behind the Crisis

Officials point to a combination of long-standing infrastructure weaknesses and misuse:

• Aging equipment—degraded insulation, worn conductors, weakened circuitry—undermines reliability and makes breakdowns more frequent.

• Illegal connections overburden transformers, triggering overloads and catastrophic failures. PS Wachira implored citizens to desist, citing these as a leading cause of unit destruction.

• Environmental hazards—lightning, storms, falling trees, and intense heat—compound stress on vulnerable units, accelerating wear and tear.

Political and Public Pressure

The initiative follows a wave of complaints from constituents facing extended outages and dangerous installations. Energy Committee Chair David Gikaria emphasized that many communities have endured daily disruptions and safety risks for too long.

Adding pressure, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna called for parliamentary examination of persistent blackouts in informal settlements such as Mathare, Majengo Gorofani, Korogocho, and Kwa Reuben—areas where residents have lacked electricity for years yet continue to be billed by Kenya Power.

Anticipated Outcomes & Broader Impacts

Beyond infrastructure repair, the reforms aim to restore public trust in Kenya Power, reduce avoidable risks, and stem the economic fallout from unstable electricity supply.

Potential Risks & Implementation Challenges

• Execution & Oversight: Rapid overhaul will require precise coordination across counties; delays could undermine public confidence.

• Root causes must be addressed: Efforts to combat illegal connections must be paired with enforcement and community sensitization.

• Sustainability: Repair is only one dimension—the long-term viability of the grid hinges on preventive maintenance, theft-control innovations, and infrastructure upgrades aligned with Kenya’s expanding demand.

In Summary

Principal Secretary Alex Wachira’s announcement marks a decisive step toward addressing the deep-seated infrastructure deficiencies behind Kenya’s ongoing power crises. With over 20,000 transformers set for replacement and hazardous installations being targeted for urgent repair, the drive seeks to stem both outages and electrocution threats.

The success of this effort will pivot on effective execution, continuous public education on responsible energy use, and durable investments in grid modernization—ensuring that as Kenya grows, its power network remains both safe and reliable.