How Naivasha is suffering in darkness

By Muhangani Shilovele

Naivasha is one of the fastest growing towns in Kenya. The region not only attracts diverse businesses ranging from horticulture and hotel industries but it is also emerging as one of the world leading producers of geothermal power.

However, this project (geothermal) has become more of a curse than a blessing as the region frequently suffers power outage, hurting businesses and other investments.

For the last two weeks, the region especially Moi South Lake has been plunged into darkness daily. Most revelers who had flocked to celebrate their Christmas holiday were a disappointed lot as the place was immersed in total darkness.

While Kenya Power can justify the current power outage as a result of a major operation to install a new power line to connect to a national grit from a sub station in Olkaria. But many questions are asked without answers. One the timing of the operations when the businesses are at the peak during the festive season?

Two, why couldn’t the company notify the locals in advance say for a period of two months for such a major operation so that the residents and companies could look for alternative backups? 

Three can Kenya Power carry out this operation gradually and systematically without hurting investments?