Kiunga residents in Lamu decry prolonged power outages

Residents of Kiunga have raised serious concerns following three months of persistent power outages. The situation has significantly impacted their daily lives, especially in the security and healthcare sectors.

“Here is the border between Somalia and Kenya, and there are security issues. When you look at our health matters, sometimes a person might need to be put on oxygen, and if there is no power, it will be a challenge,” said Ibrahim Omar, a local resident.

He raised concern that currently they rely on solar power. “We are asking the politicians here, do you see this issue, and what kind of people do you take us for? Are we not Kenyans? Or are we not residents of Lamu County?”

Another resident, Umi Mohammed, expressed frustration, stating, “Three months without power is shameful. We have leaders, don’t they see we have no electricity? The situation is worse in hospitals. People are taken to Lawasco, a water company, to get oxygen because they use solar. Sometimes patients are transported during the day, but at night with no electricity, you can’t take them to the hospital, and we lose some on the way.”

Lamu residents during a press briefing where they raised concerns over prolonged power outages. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

The impact on healthcare services has been particularly severe, with hospitals struggling to provide critical care.

“Those responsible need to work harder. Security communications rely on electricity. The false promises made by politicians, who are more vocal about meaningless matters, are unacceptable. We call for equal treatment for those living on the border as for those in other regions. Health is very important. It’s a matter of either the patient being taken to Somalia for treatment or dying on the way to King Fahd Hospital in Lamu,” said Mohamed Skanda, an activist.

Fatuma Said, another resident, said, “We rely on solar power now, but it’s not enough. Politicians need to address this issue urgently. We feel neglected and ignored. Are we not Kenyans? Are we not part of Lamu County?”

“We have had enough of these power outages. It’s affecting our businesses and our daily lives. We are asking our leaders to take immediate action. This situation cannot continue. Electricity is crucial for our safety and health,” Mohammed Yusuf, another local lamented.

Rahma Mzee added, “The power outages are causing so many problems. Our children cannot study properly, and our food spoils without refrigeration. This is unacceptable, and we need a permanent solution now.”

In response to these concerns, local leaders have yet to issue a formal statement. The residents remain hopeful that their voices will be heard and that solutions will be implemented to restore stable power to the region.