Kenya launches national drive to fix faulty power infrastructure amid blackouts, electrocution fears

The Ministry of Energy has launched an urgent nationwide campaign to tackle frequent power blackouts and a growing number of electrocution cases linked to faulty electricity infrastructure.

Appearing before the National Assembly’s Committee on Energy on Tuesday, Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira said the government will replace malfunctioning transformers and repair or remove hazardous electric poles and hanging wires across the country.

He assured lawmakers that work is already underway to identify and fix all damaged components of the national electricity grid, aiming to enhance both safety and the reliability of the power supply.

“We are undertaking a serious and targeted push to ensure all faulty transformers are replaced and that any loose wires or poles are identified and fixed,” PS Wachira said.
“Our goal is to curb frequent power outages and eliminate the risk of electrocution.”

Flood of complaints

His remarks followed concerns raised by Committee Chairperson David Gikaria, who said the committee had received a flood of complaints from Kenyans enduring extended power outages and dangerous electrical installations.

“Kenyans are suffering daily due to unreliable power and dangerous infrastructure. We want immediate and visible action from the ministry,” Gikaria said.

He urged the ministry to act swiftly and present clear timelines for replacing faulty transformers and repairing exposed or hanging wires, warning that many communities have faced these risks for far too long.

“These faulty installations pose a grave danger to the public,” he added.

Mapping affected areas

In response, PS Wachira said the ministry had deployed technical teams and was already mapping affected areas. He also confirmed that additional budget allocations had been secured to accelerate the repair and replacement efforts.

“We are working around the clock to ensure that no region is left behind,” he said, promising urgent interventions in areas reporting prolonged blackouts or safety threats.

Separately, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna recently petitioned Parliament to investigate why several communities in the capital—including Mathare, Korogocho, Majengo Gorofani, and Kwa Reuben—have remained without electricity for years, exposing residents to insecurity and deepening inequality.

Sifuna told the House that Mathare’s Hospital Ward has been in darkness for over four years, while residents in Majengo Gorofani, Kamukunji, have endured two and a half years without power, despite still receiving monthly electricity bills from Kenya Power.

He described the lack of electricity as a serious threat to public safety and a major obstacle to economic growth in informal settlements. Sifuna warned that continued neglect by Kenya Power was worsening inequality in the capital.

“This is not just a matter of inconvenience. It has serious implications for security, economic empowerment and education. Nairobi, the capital city, cannot be expanding national infrastructure while leaving entire communities in darkness,” he said.