Brace Yourself: Major Power Outages to Hit 7 Counties This Thursday – Are You Prepared?

Get ready; a significant power disruption is on the horizon. Seven counties are set to experience power cuts this Thursday, potentially affecting thousands of households and businesses. It’s critical to understand the scope of this outage and prepare accordingly to mitigate the impact on your daily activities.

Details of the Planned Power Outage

[Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC)](https://www.kplc.co.ke/) has announced scheduled maintenance which will necessitate turning off power supplies in several areas. The affected counties include Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, Nyeri, Bungoma, and Meru. This maintenance is part of ongoing efforts to ensure a stable and efficient power supply.

Areas and Timing

The specific areas and the timing of these power outages will vary, making it crucial for residents to stay informed. Here are some key details:

• Nairobi: Westlands, Karen and parts of the Central Business District (CBD) will see outages from 9 AM to 4 PM.
• Kisumu: Key areas like Milimani, Kondele, and the industrial area will experience power cuts between 8 AM and 5 PM.
• Mombasa: Affected areas include Nyali, Bamburi, and parts of the mainland. Outages will occur from 10 AM to 4 PM.
• Nakuru: Parts of Nakuru Town, Lanet, and Njoro will face disruptions from 11 AM to 3 PM.
• Nyeri: Expect power cuts in King’ong’o, Chaka, and parts of the town center from 8 AM to 5 PM.
• Bungoma: Areas like Kanduyi, Webuye, and parts of Chwele will experience outages from 9 AM to 4 PM.
• Meru: Major disruptions in Makutano, Nkubu, and parts of the town from 10 AM to 4 PM.

How to Prepare for the Outage

Preparation is key to minimizing inconvenience during these scheduled power cuts. Here are some practical steps households and businesses can take:

For Households

• Charge Devices: Ensure all your electronic devices, such as phones, tablets, and laptops, are fully charged by Wednesday evening.
• Backup Power: If possible, have a backup power source like a generator or power bank to keep essential devices running.
• Food Storage: Consume food items that might spoil quickly, and avoid opening the refrigerator frequently to retain the cooling effect.
• Lighting: Keep flashlights and candles handy for use during the evening hours.
• Communication: Keep family and friends informed about your whereabouts and ensure everyone knows the schedule of the power cut.

For Businesses

• Business Continuity Plan: Ensure your business continuity plan is up-to-date and communicate with employees about the outage.
• Backup Systems: Invest in UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems to protect crucial electronic and IT infrastructures.
• Customer Communication: Inform clients and customers about potential disruptions in services and ensure they can reach you through alternative means.
• Data Backup: Ensure all critical data is backed up and secure any systems that might be vulnerable to sudden power loss.
• Security: Enhance security measures to protect your premises during the power cut, including securing entry points and installing battery-powered surveillance systems.

The Importance of Scheduled Maintenance

While scheduled power cuts can be inconvenient, they are crucial for maintaining and upgrading the power grid. This planned maintenance allows [KPLC](https://www.kplc.co.ke/) to repair, upgrade, and maintain its infrastructure, ensuring reliable electricity for the future. Ignoring these essential updates could lead to more frequent and unplanned disruptions.

Additionally, some areas have reported service improvements following these maintenance periods. It is worth enduring short-term inconvenience for more reliable long-term service. By cooperating and planning, we can ensure that our daily routines face minimal interruption.

Stay Informed

Staying updated on the latest developments is crucial, especially in times of scheduled power outages. Keep an eye on local news outlets, the [KPLC website](https://www.kplc.co.ke/), and their social media channels for any further announcements or changes to the schedule.

What to Do During an Outage

While dealing with a power outage, there are some precautions you should follow to stay safe:

• Stay Indoors: Avoid going outside unless necessary, as streetlights and other public lighting will also be affected.
• Secure Your Premises: Ensure all doors and windows are locked to prevent potential break-ins.
• Disconnect Devices: Unplug electrical devices to prevent damage from power surges when the electricity is restored.

Concluding Thoughts

Scheduled power interruptions are inconvenient but necessary. By being prepared and staying informed, you can lessen the impact of these disruptions on your household or business. Use this opportunity to be proactive; put safety measures in place and communicate with those affected by the outage. Let’s face this challenge together and ensure a resilient response to KPLC’s critical maintenance efforts.

For more information, visit the original article [here](https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2024-08-28-kplc-areas-in-7-counties-to-experience-power-cuts-thursday/).

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