Widespread Power Outages Expected Across Kenya

Kenya Power has announced planned electricity interruptions affecting parts of 10 counties on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. The outages, scheduled to run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EAT in most areas, are attributed to routine system maintenance and network upgrades.

Nairobi County will experience significant disruptions, with areas such as Pioneer Phase 1 & 2, Kariobangi South, Buruburu Phase 5, KCC Village, and parts of Kangundo Road affected. Additionally, parts of Kilimani and Jamhuri Estate, including Cotton Road, Dennis Pritt Road, Galana Road, Argwings Kodhek Road, Ring Road Kilimani, and areas around Yaya Centre and Prestige Plaza, will also be without power.

Counties and Specific Areas Affected

Beyond Nairobi, several other counties are slated for power cuts:

• Tharaka Nithi County: Kibugua and Kiracha areas, including Kibugua Market, Magumoni, Njuri High, and Kiracha Market, from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM EAT.
• Laikipia County: Jua Kali, Naibor, and Mayan areas, affecting Jua Kali Center, Naibor Center, Mayan Hotel, and adjacent customers, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EAT.
• Uasin Gishu County: Simat areas, including Mutwot, Kisor Dispensary, and Tuiyo Kamotong, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EAT.
• Vihiga County: Musiri, parts of Gamogi Market, Itiengere, Jebrock Market, Kini Market, Kapkerer Market, Kaseta, Malinda, Likindu Health Center, Saride, Ivola, Kapsaoi, Police, and Mutiva, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EAT.
• Kakamega County: Burkas and Lunza areas, including Mungune, Lukumbo, Metamwele, and Shibanga.
• Nyeri County: Mahiga and Ihithe areas, affecting Thuti Factory, Birthia Secondary, Kagonye Market, Kenyatta Secondary, Mahiga Girls, Munyange Market, Munyange Secondary, Njigari Market, Dr. Kamundia Secondary, Ihithe Market, Kindara, Hubuini Market, Karundas Shopping Centre, Githungo Primary School, Mbiriri Market, and Mapema Shopping Centre.
• Murang'a County: Kamahuha, Thaara, and Igikiro areas, covering Thaara Secondary, Kamahuha Market, Igikiro Village, and ACK Kamahuha Parish.
• Embu County: Gitaru, Kindaruma, and Kiambere areas, including Kiambere Kengen Camps, Water Meyer, Kiambere Complex, Katothya, Kavui, Ngiiri, Gwakarigu, Mutuobare Market, and Cieria.
• Kirinyaga County: Spenza Millers, Kimicha, and Baricho areas, including Spenza Millers, Kimicha Market, Kiaga Market, Njeru Githae, Thumaita West Village, Baricho Market, Kianda Market, Kiambwe Coffee Factory, Thiguku Market, and Getuya Village.

Context and Policy Implications

Kenya Power regularly schedules such interruptions for maintenance and upgrades to the power lines, connecting new customers, or replacing lines during road construction. These planned outages are crucial for improving the reliability and quality of electricity supply across the country.

The utility company recently launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot named 'Nuru' and upgraded its MyPower App to enhance customer service, allowing users to access information on scheduled power interruptions, buy tokens, pay bills, and report outages.

Stakeholder Concerns and Future Outlook

While essential for infrastructure development, these frequent power interruptions often draw public scrutiny. Analysts suggest that such developments could influence public debate and policy execution, with stakeholders advocating for greater clarity on outage timelines, associated costs, and consumer safeguards. The Energy Regulations draft for 2025, released by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, mandates Kenya Power and other electricity providers to compensate customers for blackouts caused by negligence or preventable faults, aiming to promote reliable and quality electricity supply.

Evidence/Data

• Affected Counties: Nairobi, Tharaka Nithi, Laikipia, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga, Kakamega, Nyeri, Murang'a, Embu, Kirinyaga.
• Duration: Approximately 8-9 hours for most affected areas (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EAT).
• Reason: Routine maintenance work and system upgrades.
• Customer Engagement: Kenya Power's MyPower App and USSD code *977# provide information on planned interruptions.

Risks and Implications

The planned outages could disrupt daily routines for residents and impact businesses, particularly those reliant on consistent power supply. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may face operational challenges, leading to potential economic losses. The agricultural sector, especially in counties like Uasin Gishu and Kakamega, could also experience disruptions in processing and market activities.

What to Watch

Stakeholders will be closely monitoring Kenya Power's adherence to the published schedules and the effectiveness of its communication channels, particularly the newly launched AI chatbot 'Nuru' and the MyPower App, in providing timely updates and addressing customer queries. The implementation and impact of the proposed 2025 Energy Regulations on consumer compensation for outages will also be a key area of focus.