Faulty transformer leaves Free Area residents without power for two weeks
Missing transformer from Kiratina, Free Area that has rendered residents without electricity since December 28, 2024.
Several business owners in Kiratina, Free Area, are reeling from significant losses following Kenya Power and Lighting Company’s (KPLC) withdrawal of a faulty transformer.
Despite assurances that power would be restored promptly, the situation remains unchanged two weeks later, leaving local enterprises grappling with operational challenges.
Residential homes in Free Area affected by lack of electricity due to a missing transformer since December 28, 2024.
Many businesses have resorted to alternative energy sources, adjusted staffing, and shortened working hours due to security concerns and reduced customer activity.
James Ngugi, the proprietor of EduTech Cyber, a cybercafé and phone charging business, has been severely affected.
“I’ve been losing about Sh2,000 daily since the blackout started on December 28, 2024. My cyber and phone charging businesses are suffering. Even when customers call, I sometimes miss their calls because I’ve had to take my phone elsewhere for charging,” Ngugi lamented.
Other businesses in Free Area affected by lack of electricity due to a missing transformer since December 28, 2024.
The blackout has also forced him to sell drinks at room temperature and close his business earlier than usual, further cutting into his profits.
Samuel Kamau, owner of Lucky Autospares and a small hotel, expressed similar frustrations. He described how his businesses have been reduced to manual operations, despite having equipment designed to streamline work.
“During the Christmas period, we were told the power would return because the transformer was faulty. Later, we heard it was taken to Nairobi for repairs, but I don’t understand why it’s taking so long,” Kamau says.
Mjengo Hardware among businesses affected by lack of electricity in Free Area due to a missing transformer since December 28, 2024.
In his hotel, Kamau now relies on a charcoal jiko to prepare food for customers. While he hasn’t suffered food spoilage, plans to upgrade his kitchen with additional electronic appliances have been put on hold due to the unstable power situation.
David Ng’ang’a, the owner of Mjengo Hardware, reported daily losses of up to Sh5,000 due to the power outage.
“When I got to the store, I found the power was out. They tried to fix it but concluded the transformer was beyond repair and took it away. Since then, we’ve had no electricity,” Ng’ang’a explained.
His hardware store depends on electricity for tasks like mixing paint, cutting metal, and grinding repairs, making it impossible to sustain operations manually.
“We’ve had to rely on a generator, which costs us almost Sh10,000 daily in fuel. Normally, we’d spend about Sh4,000 to 5,000 on electricity. This extra expense eats into our budget, including funds for paying casual workers,” he added.
Ng’ang’a also notes that new projects intended for the new year have been delayed. Staff from other areas have been reassigned to handle tasks manually, leading to inefficiencies and slower progress.
Despite repeated follow-ups with KPLC, business owners report receiving no clear timeline for the transformer’s return or power restoration.
Kamau shared his frustration: “When I called to follow up, they said they’d update me in 20 minutes. I’m still waiting for that update.”
With no resolution in sight, Kiratina’s business community faces mounting costs and operational setbacks. The prolonged outage highlights the urgent need for reliable infrastructure and responsive customer service to support local businesses.