Planned Power Interruptions Across Key Regions

Kenya Power has announced scheduled power interruptions affecting parts of Nairobi, Machakos, Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, Kakamega, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and Kiambu counties on Thursday, October 9, 2025. The outages, slated to run between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM EAT for most areas, are part of the utility firm's routine maintenance and system upgrade works.

The company stated that these planned blackouts are essential for upgrading aging infrastructure, enhancing grid stability, carrying out preventive maintenance, and replacing or repairing transformers, power lines, and substations. This ongoing effort aims to improve the reliability and efficiency of power supply across the country.

Affected Areas and Duration

Residents and businesses in the specified areas are advised to prepare for disruptions lasting up to nine hours in most affected regions. In Nairobi, areas along Mombasa Road, including parts of Intercounty, Small World Country Club, Game Ranch, Aquaest, Kanini Clinic, Brava, Lukenya Academy, Ksyumbunguo Hotel, and Amazing Kenya, will be affected. Additionally, parts of Kitsuru, including Gachie Market, Nyari, Thingiri Road, Redhill Road, and Limuru Road, will experience outages.

Machakos County will see interruptions in Matuu, covering Matuu Town, Kakumini, Kithendu, Muthesya, Mamba, Sofia, Ndalani, Kisiiki, Mavoloni, Kambi Mawe, Nthungululu, Kwa Ndolo, Yatta Water, Kateki, Kaluluini, Kyasioni, Maiyuni, Ithekethini, Ngengi, Mwambathana, Sinai, Kilango, Ikatini, Kathini, Itunduimuni, Mikuyu, Kakongo, Iviani, Mbembani, Kivingoni, Kondo, Kitengela, Kauthulini, Kasua Ngove, Nigeria, Malikiti, Kaumoni, Kimangu, Kambi ya Ndeke, Kalukuni, Kasooni, Yee Mwatu, Masewani, and Isaane.

In Uasin Gishu, Kapchumba Secondary School, Lower Kiplombe, Kambi Thomas, and Chemabwai will be without power. Kisumu County's Apondo Kasare, Thur Dibuoro, Nyakwere, Kongowo, KEMFRI, Sango Rota, Sangoro, and Nyawalo will also be impacted. Kakamega County will experience outages in Butali Market, Butali Sugar Factory, Mastakha Market, Chebwayi, Matete Market, Kivaiywa Secondary, and Bande Market.

Nyeri County's Gikondi and Kibutio areas, including Gikondi Market, Mate Primary, Gikondi Technical, SR Ireen Secondary, Nduma Market, Muthuthini Market, Kaharo Secondary, and Kibutio Secondary, are listed. Kirinyaga County will have disruptions in Kianyaga, Rukenya, and Philadelphia, affecting Kiandubiu Projects, Kiandai Market, Kianyaga Water Pump, Kianyaga Timber, Kianyaga Town, Rwambiti Village, Gichonjo-Ini Market, Kanju Village, Philadelphia Hotel, and Riagacheru Village.

Context and Policy Implications

These scheduled interruptions are a regular feature of Kenya Power's operations, aimed at reinforcing and upgrading its electricity distribution network. The utility firm frequently schedules such activities to facilitate repairs, connect new customers, and replace aging infrastructure.

In the financial year 2024-2025, Kenya Power reported a profit after tax of KSh 24.5 billion, an 18.7% drop from the previous year's KSh 30.1 billion. This was attributed to lower electricity tariffs, reduced foreign exchange recoveries, and higher financing expenses. Despite this, the company saw an 8% increase in electricity sales and expanded its customer base to over 10 million.

Stakeholders continue to urge Kenya Power for clarity on timelines, costs, and safeguards related to these maintenance works, especially given their impact on daily life and economic activities. The company's strategic focus for the coming years includes modernising the national grid, accelerating customer connections, and driving digital transformation to improve reliability and reduce losses.

Customer Advisory and Communication

Kenya Power advises residents and businesses in affected areas to plan accordingly to minimise inconvenience and to unplug electrical appliances during the scheduled outage to prevent damage from power surges when supply is restored.

The company communicates these planned interruptions through its official channels, including its X (formerly Twitter) account, official website, and customer care hotlines. Customers can also access information and services through the MyPower app and the USSD code *977#.

Evidence/Data Box

• Counties Affected: 8 (Nairobi, Machakos, Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, Kakamega, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Kiambu)
• Date of Interruption: Thursday, October 9, 2025
• Time of Interruption: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EAT (most areas)
• Purpose: Routine maintenance and system upgrades
• Kenya Power Customer Base: Over 10 million (as of 2024-2025 financial year)
• Kenya Power Net Profit (FY 2024-2025): KSh 24.5 billion (down 18.7% from previous year)

What to Watch

The ongoing maintenance schedule highlights Kenya Power's commitment to enhancing its infrastructure. Future developments will likely focus on the effectiveness of these upgrades in reducing the frequency and duration of unplanned outages. The company's digital transformation initiatives, including the MyPower app and USSD services, will be crucial in improving customer communication and service delivery.