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Kenya’s Power Blackout Crisis: How KPLC’s Failures And Ruto’s Incompetence Are Endangering Lives And Crippling The Economy

BY Steve Biko Wafula · December 19, 2024 12:12 pm

KEY POINTS

Ruto’s administration has prioritized vanity projects and political posturing over solving fundamental issues that affect millions of Kenyans. The lack of accountability, vision, and urgency from his government exacerbates the crisis. 

Kenya’s power blackout crisis has escalated to alarming levels over the past few years, revealing a deeply entrenched pattern of incompetence, mismanagement, and negligence by both Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and the Ruto administration. These blackouts are not just an inconvenience; they are a dire threat to the economy and to the lives of the most vulnerable citizens, especially those in hospitals that lack adequate backup systems. The trend speaks volumes:

  • 2020/21: 29 power interruptions

  • 2021/22: 38 power interruptions

  • 2022/23: 45 power interruptions

  • 2023/24: 48 power interruptions

This steady rise in outages points to a systemic failure that is crippling Kenya’s ability to function as a modern economy. The consequences of these power outages ripple across all sectors. Businesses incur massive losses as operations are disrupted. Small-scale traders, dependent on electricity for refrigeration or production, are driven into bankruptcy. Industrial manufacturers face significant downtime, driving up the cost of goods and eroding Kenya’s competitiveness in global markets.

Read Also: Why Does Kenya Power Hate Its Customers Down To The Last Man?

However, the most harrowing impact is felt in hospitals, where power blackouts put lives at immediate risk. In facilities without functioning backup generators, surgeries are interrupted, life-support systems fail, and critical care units grind to a halt. How can a nation claim to value its citizens when the sick and dying are left to the mercy of a dysfunctional power supply system?

KPLC, as the monopoly supplier of electricity, bears the brunt of the blame for this crisis. Its inability to maintain a reliable grid, coupled with reports of mismanagement, inefficiency, and alleged corruption, makes it a national liability. But the Ruto government cannot escape accountability. As the regulator and policymaker, it has failed to address the chronic issues within KPLC or invest in alternative energy solutions. Instead, it has allowed the problem to worsen, focusing more on rhetoric than actionable solutions.

Ruto’s administration has prioritized vanity projects and political posturing over solving fundamental issues that affect millions of Kenyans. The lack of accountability, vision, and urgency from his government exacerbates the crisis. The rising trend in power interruptions is not a mere coincidence but a reflection of leadership that is out of touch with the needs of the people.

Kenya must demand answers. Why is KPLC allowed to perpetuate these failures year after year without reform? Why hasn’t the government taken steps to break the monopoly, introduce competition, and push for sustainable energy solutions? The nation’s economy and the lives of its citizens cannot afford another year of excuses. KPLC and the Ruto government must be held accountable—immediately.

Read Also: Kenya Power Advances 9.7% To Hit Record High At The Bourse

Steve Biko is the CEO OF Soko Directory and the founder of Hidalgo Group of Companies. Steve is currently developing his career in law, finance, entrepreneurship and digital consultancy; and has been implementing consultancy assignments for client organizations comprising of trainings besides capacity building in entrepreneurial matters. He can be reached on: +254 20 510 1124 or Email: info@sokodirectory.com

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