Another major power outage, day after CS Wandayi tough talk
Kenya Power has confirmed another major power outage in less than a week, affecting all parts of Kenya except parts of the North Rift and Western regions.
“We are experiencing a power outage affecting several parts of the country except parts of North Rift and Western regions,” Kenya Power said in an update at 9:20am on September 6.
“We apologise for the inconvenience and ask for your patience as our engineers work quickly to restore service.”
The power company promised to keep the country updated on the progress of attempts to restore power.
This comes just a day after Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi demanded a report from Kenya Power on the technical, operational, human capital and protection of the power system as he steps in to tackle the national blackouts.
Mr Wandayi on Thursday, September 5, also ordered the Kenya Power board to embark on reforms that include reducing energy costs.
The country has frequently experienced widespread power cuts, including on the evening of Mr Wandayi’s homecoming ceremony, which President William Ruto graced.
“While I noted and commended the board, management and staff for the good work done so far, I directed the board to embark on an urgent institutional reform path and report back to the ministry,” Mr Wandayi said.
He explained that this would include a “report on the technical, operational and human capital capacity of the National Control Centre in power infrastructure configuration, power system protection and generation mix decisions in proactively managing system disturbances and avoiding recurrence of major blackouts like the recent national blackout”.
Mr Wandayi also directed the utility to ensure the technical and commercial loss reduction strategy with timelines to reduce the current loss level of 24 per cent to the tariffed allowable level of 19.5 per cent within three years.
This will lead to a significant reduction in electricity prices, said Mr Wandayi, who before the formation of the broad-based government was an active critic of Kenya Power and the frequent power cuts.
Mr Wandayi also put Kenyans with illegal electricity connections on notice as he urged them to be “patriotic” enough to give up the vice.
He was speaking when he made his maiden tour of Kenya Power’s critical infrastructure, including the utility’s National Control Centre in Nairobi on Thursday.
“An implementation matrix covering key projects and interventions with significant impact on the realisation of energy cost reduction for end users in the short and medium term to be undertaken by Kenya Power and sister agencies,” CS Wandayi said. “The matrix must include project challenges, resource requirements, timelines for completion, accountability and expected outcomes.”
The new Cabinet Secretary also directed the utility to review its human capital strategy to ensure that it is adequately and optimally resourced to serve Kenyans.
He also asked Kenya Power to consider initiatives and interventions, including collaborative operational and structural processes, to curb illegal connections and public safety concerns.
These adjustments, Mr Wandayi said, are key initiatives to improve operational efficiency, liquidity and balance sheet strengthening that will lead the institution back to sustainable profitability.
dogetta@ke.nationmedia.com
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.