Homa Bay residents lament month-long power outage

A transformer at Amoyo, South Kabura Sub-location, West Kanyadoto, in Ndhiwa Sub-county. [James Omoro, Standard]

Residents of South Kabura sub-location in Homa Bay County are without power.

In a protest to Kenya Power, locals said a transformer located at Amoyo, Ndhiwa Sub-county, malfunctioned a month ago and has not been repaired since.

According to a trader Pauline Akoth, the power outage has proved costly, impacting businesses - in terms of loss of money and potential customers.

“I have incurred huge losses after goods which were in my refrigerator spoilt,” said Akoth.

Businessman Steven Ochieng’ said the power interruption has deterred many from products that need refrigeration, freezing, or controlled room temperature.

“Sales have gone down because we don’t have electricity,” lamented Ochieng’.

Mike Oyare and Alphonce Oyoo, who operate barbershops in the area, noted that affected businesses have resorted to renewable energy to keep afloat.

“The situation has forced me to use solar energy in my barbershop but the panel is not reliable,” said Oyare.

According to Oyoo, the outage has seen some businesses that depend majorly on electricity layoff staff.

“We are relying on the electricity to transact our business. The power outage has left me and other people with no income,” said Oyoo.

Lawrence Omoro, a resident, added that the outage puts locals and businesses at increased risk.

“We have to close our business earlier than usual in the evening because of security. We are worried,” said Omoro.

He called on Kenya Power to intervene. 

Responding to the protests, Homa Bay County officer in charge Ken Okumbe said the electricity utility is working to restore electric service in the affected area.

“Our officers are going to inspect the transformer so we can know how to solve the issue,” said Okumbe.