System Maintenance to Impact Key Economic Hubs

NAIROBI, KENYA – Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has announced a scheduled power interruption for Monday, November 24, 2025, that will affect parts of Nandi, Kisii, and Nyeri counties for eight hours. In a public notice issued on Sunday, November 23, 2025, the utility company stated the outage is necessary to conduct routine network maintenance aimed at improving the reliability and safety of the power supply. The interruptions are scheduled to last from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EAT.

The maintenance is being carried out under Rule 27 of the Electric Power Rules, which permits the utility to interrupt supply periodically to facilitate network upgrades, connect new customers, or replace infrastructure. Residents and businesses in the affected areas are advised to make alternative arrangements to mitigate the disruption.

Detailed Breakdown of Affected Areas

The planned outage will impact specific localities within the three designated counties, affecting key agricultural processing facilities, educational institutions, health centers, and commercial markets.

In Nandi County (North Rift Region): The interruption will affect the Emrok area. Key customers impacted include the Emrok Tea Factory and Kamalel Primary School, along with adjacent residential and commercial users.

In Kisii County (South Nyanza Region): The maintenance works will be centered around Botori Market and Gesero. The list of affected customers includes Oigara, Botori Market, Botori Secondary School, Gesero Secondary School, Iyabe Hospital, Misesi, Sigisi, Mwata, Erina Market, Misisita, Nyachenge Market, and St. Reuben's School.

In Nyeri County (Mt. Kenya Region): Two separate zones will be affected. The first area includes Ragati Tea Factory, Gatei TBC, Gatei Market, Ragati Forest Station, and telecommunication boosters for Safaricom and Airtel. The second zone covers Kanyagia Market, Kieni Diary, Demka Diary, Solio Ranch, Solio Water Pump, Solio Lodge, Solio Cattle Dip, and Solio Village.

Economic Impact and Broader Context

Scheduled and unscheduled power outages present a significant operational challenge for the Kenyan economy. Frequent interruptions force many businesses to invest in expensive alternative power sources like diesel generators, which increases their operational costs and can impact productivity. For Kenya's manufacturing sector, which is a major consumer of electricity, a stable power supply is critical. Past studies have indicated that power outages can lead to substantial financial losses for businesses, affecting everything from small enterprises like welding workshops and cyber cafes to large-scale industrial operations.

These routine maintenance schedules are part of Kenya Power's broader strategy to upgrade an aging national grid that is under strain from rising electricity demand. In recent months, the country has grappled with a fragile power system where demand occasionally outstrips available supply, particularly during peak evening hours. While Kenya Power asserts that these planned interruptions are essential for long-term service reliability, they continue to pose a recurring challenge for households and businesses dependent on a consistent electricity supply.

In a separate notice, Kenya Power also informed its customers in Kiambu Town that its office will be relocating to Kiambu Mall, Second Floor, starting Monday, November 24, 2025.