Members of Parliament on Thursday, April 24, 2025, put Kenya Power and the chairperson of the energy committee on the spot over the recent spate of electricity outages in the country.

Moiben MP Phyllis Bartoo, reading a request by Vihiga Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala for a statement regarding the continued power outage throughout the country, exposed the challenges faced by millions of Kenyans across the country.

“In the recent past, the country has experienced persistent power outages, some lasting several hours, and in certain areas, occurring daily. These blackouts have affected households, disrupted businesses, endangered patients in health facilities and raised serious concerns over the stability and reliability of the national power grid,” Adagala noted.

“Despite previous assurances from the Kenya Power and Lighting Company and other energy sector stakeholders, the problem continues to persist, causing significant economic losses and eroding public confidence in our national power infrastructure,” she observed.

Report on outages

Additionally, Adagala sought a report on the frequent power outages being experienced throughout the country, steps being taken by Kenya Power and the Ministry of Energy to stabilize power supply and prevent constant and repeated outages, the immediate mitigation measures being implemented to protect essential service providers such as hospitals, learning institutions and security installations from the outages.

She also sought to know the progress made in upgrading and maintaining the national power infrastructure, including timelines for resolving persistent faults and ensuring the reliability of the national grid.

Adagala equally sought to establish whether there were plans to diversify the country’s energy mix to reduce over-dependence on certain power sources.

The chairperson of the departmental committee on energy and Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria, while responding to the request, indicated that he will provide answers once the house returns from recess, which will begin on May 2, 2025, and run through May 26, 2025.

Rongai power outages

In a quick rejoinder, Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo challenged Gikaria to get serious and provide a response quickly, noting that businesses are failing due to the persistent power outages.

“Where I come from, in Ngong, Rongai and Kiserian, a lot of people depend on power to do their barbershops and salons. Businesses are falling down because of continuous maintenance every week and every day. When Gikaria says he will reply after recess, it can’t be that way; we need an answer immediately. Three weeks is too long for small business people,” Ngogoyo stated.

His sentiments were echoed by Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, who challenged Gikaria to offer solutions immediately.

“This is not the first time that blackouts have been mentioned in this house. We have brought statements and asked questions, and it is always, give us a week, give us a month, give us three weeks. Gikaria, you are the chairperson energy committee; the transformers that are being brought on the ground cannot even sustain the community,” Odiwuor said.

 “Gikaria must give us answers today. His committee sits on Tuesdays and Thursdays,” he added.

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo equally joined the discussion, stating that the electricity supplier, Kenya Power’s inefficiencies were affecting millions of households.

“Something as basic as a tree falling and power going out should not take more than a day. Is that Kenya Powerlessness or Kenya Power? Can they change their names officially to Kenya Powerlessness and disconnection? It is a joke,” she said.