Kitengela: Residents raise concern over frequent power outage

With the skies already showing distant signs of rains, residents of Kitengela town are already beginning to lose sleep over frequent power outages, especially during rains, a situation that has disrupted businesses.

Traders in the area told Wananchi Reporting that the situation often negatively impacts their operations, especially those that rely on electricity, such as shops selling products that need refrigeration.

Whenever it starts to rain, power goes out, something that has left residents and business owners pursing their lips.

"Whenever it rains, we lose electricity. We have lost many perishable products such as meat and milk," said Grace Muthoni, the owner of a grocery store.

Other businesses that depend on electricity like salon operators, tailors and barbers are often forced to close their shops because they cannot operate without electricity.

Mwende Kimeto, who runs a salon business in the town centre, expressed her frustration with the power provider. 

"This is becoming too frequent, and should be addressed quickly otherwise we will shut down our businesses," siad Kimeto.

Tenants too have not been spared from the effects of the power outages. Many complain that they miss out on essential services, such as lighting.  

"It is frustrating. We rely on electricity for many things, but every time it rains, we are left in darkness," said Peter Otieno, a Kitengela resident, a sentiment echoed by Steve Onyango, a metal fabricator who relies on electricity to do his work.

The situation has raised questions about the stability of the power infrastructure in the area, with residents calling on the relevant authorities, especially the electricity distribution company, to take swift action to improve services and ensure that residents receive an uninterrupted power supply.

Many say they will start to demand compensation for the estimated losses they have incurred due to the frequent power outages.