Kenya Power has confirmed a widespread power outage affecting several parts of the country, hours after social media users began reporting blackouts in multiple regions.
In a statement issued at 9.05 pm on Wednesday, the utility company said the outage had affected customers in Nairobi, the Coast region, Mt Kenya and parts of the Central Rift.
However, the company said electricity supply remained stable in parts of the North Rift and Western regions.
"We wish to inform our esteemed customers that we are experiencing a widespread power outage affecting customers in Nairobi, Coast, Mt. Kenya and parts of Central Rift. However, parts of North Rift and Western regions are on supply," Kenya Power said.
The company said technical teams had been deployed to identify the cause of the outage and restore electricity to affected areas.
"Our technical teams are working to restore supply to the affected areas as quickly as possible," the statement said.
Kenya Power apologised to customers for the inconvenience caused and appealed for patience as restoration efforts continued.
"We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience as restoration efforts continue," the company said.
The statement came after many Kenyans took to social media on Wednesday night reporting power outages in various parts of the country and seeking clarification from the utility provider.
The outage quickly became one of the top topics on social media, with many Kenyans confirming they had lost electricity in different parts of the country while others urged Kenya Power to explain the cause of the blackout.
Murimi Ithana Victor questioned the disruption, writing, "Wow, what is going on at KPLC... This is not commendable at all!"
Cavin Cvinsky said he was surprised by the outage, posting, "I thought CS Wandayi said this will be past tense! We can't be having a national blackout at this day and age!"
Purity Mwangi simply sought clarification from the utility company, asking, "Hizi ni gani sasa?"
Several users confirmed the outage had spread beyond Nairobi.
Sir Isaac Maina said there was no electricity in Sugoi, while Joseph Kim noted, "Kenya. Not Nairobi."
Others reported experiencing the blackout from different parts of the country, including Mombasa, Kilifi, Kitale, Athi River, Murang'a, Nyeri, Kiambu, Makueni, Kinoo, Dagoretti South, Roysambu, Parklands, Lower Kabete, Muchatha and Kariandusii.
Sholla Ard encouraged Kenyans without electricity to share their locations, saying, "If you currently have no power, reply with your exact location. Kenya Power staff are watching this thread."
