Power outage: Davis Chirchir, Kenya Power CEO summoned

Energy CS Davis Chirchir at the National Control Juja power substation. [Silas Otieno, Standard]

The National Assembly has summoned Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and Kenya Power Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joseph Siror following a nationwide power blackout.

The two have been requested to appear before the parliamentary Energy Committee on Thursday next week, to explain why the country was in darkness for more than 12 hours, affecting critical services including operations at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

"The chairman, Vincent Musyoka, has directed that we summon the CS Energy together with the CEO KPLC on Thursday to explain the cause of the current nationwide blackout which has paralysed the nation, including the International airport," communication from the committee's secretariat read in part.

Kenya was thrown into darkness on Friday night, with Kenya Power confirming the countrywide power outage, owing to a 'system disturbance.'

By Saturday mid-day, KPLC said power had been restored in most parts of the country, including at JKIA.

"We have restored power supply to most ports of the country including Kiambu, Nyeri, Meru, Muranga, Embu, Isiolo, Nanyuki, Nakuru, Kericho, Bomet, Nyandarua, Samburu, Kisumu, Vihiga, Kakamega, Siaya, Busia, Kisii, Migori, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Kitale, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Machakos, Makueni and other parts of Nairobi," the power company said.

It further promised that it was working tirelessly to restore power to all parts of Kenya.