Kenyans react on 20-minute wait to restore power at JKIA

In a statement, KAA said JKIA was affected, but it took 8-20 minutes to restore power to the busy airport. 

KAA further said it is working towards synchronisation of an additional backup power source at JKIA and other airports in Kenya, set to be completed within the next 30 days. 

However, Kenyans wondered how the authority has not installed Automatic transfer switches (ATS) which ensure continued supply of power during a blackout.

@TonyAlexIrungu quipped: "Aren't the generators supposed to have Automatic Transfer Switches (ATSs)? It happened on August 25th, and now, this time around."

Another user @Mr_Murage said: "8 to 20 minutes is such a random thing to say 'matter-of-factly'".

More reactions trickled in, with many saying a 20-minute wait is a long time for a busy airport to be in the dark.

"Why should full restoration of power occur within 8 - 20 mins at an airport like JKIA? Why can't you have an automatic standby generator that warms up and starts running in as little as 30 seconds (sometimes even less)? Don't rely on KPLC. Kenya Power equals disappointments." @KMboya said.

@itskipronoh asked KAA to take responsibility: "You should admit your failure! Wakenya sio wajinga!"

@Douglasorangi added: "8-20 minutes was exceptionally good, as per your standards"

@kchepkindet wondered how a back-up generator could take so long to be running.

"You guys have failed, how can a backup generator take 20mins to run?"

@JamesWestie001 directed his questions to Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen.

"Ulisema nini August? 20min at the airport ni dakika mingi sana. Remember it takes 45min to fly from Nairobi to Eldoret. Who are you sending home this time round?"

The latest outage comes less than three months after a massive outage hit JKIA, leading to the firing of two KAA officials.