Kenya has been hit with a nationwide power outage after a high voltage transmission line connecting the capital collapsed.
The country’s power utility company, Kenya Power, announced on Tuesday that the blackout occurred after towers supporting a high voltage power line connecting the capital to the Kiambere hydroelectric dam collapsed.
“We have lost power supply due to collapsed towers on Kiambere – Embakasi high voltage transmission power line at 10:45 a.m.(0745 GMT) this morning,” Kenya Power said in a statement on its Twitter account.
“Our engineers are working to restore electricity supply as the repairs are being undertaken.”
The Corporate Communications Officer at Kenya Power, Immaculate Kubai, told Kenyans.co.ke,that the issue had affected major parts of the country but affirmed that it would be resolved soon.
“Yes, a transmission power line has collapsed around Embakasi but it is being worked on. It’s a national blackout, so when the main line collapses most of the time it affects the supply, hence, they are trying to stabilise the grid before they embark on supplying to the country,” she noted.
Managing Director and CEO (Ag.), Eng. Rosemary Oduor accompanied by Security Manager, Mj. (Rtd.) Geoffrey Kigen and General Manager (Ag.), Infrastructure Development, Eng. Raphael Ndolo inspecting a section of the collapsed high voltage transmission line earlier today. pic.twitter.com/ozYdrCBuAF
— The Kenya Power & Lighting Company Plc. (@KenyaPower) January 11, 2022
Kenya Power has been trending for the past 48 hours with the majority of Kenyans taking to their social media platforms to lament the power outage that had caused blackout in some parts of the country.
The power outage comes days after the Ministry of Energy confirmed a 15 per cent reduction in electricity cost in order to cushion Kenyans from the high cost of living.
This was also to fulfill a pledge by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The Ministry noted that the reduction of power cost took effect on January 1, 2022, and would run till December 2022.
“The Ministry of Energy hereby confirms that the Kenya Gazette of January 7, has effected a 15 per cent reduction in power tariffs. The reduction will boost livelihoods and economic growth by reducing the cost of living,” read part of the Ministry’s statement.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com