Shauri Moyo residents endure month-long power outage

By Abdirahman Khalif
Monday, May 27, 2024

Small business owners, including barbershops, lamented that they were the most affected by the outage as they lack alternative power sources.

Shauri Moyo estate has been without power for over a month, leaving business owners and residents facing severe disruptions.

The blackout reportedly began in late April this year, with residents worried it may prolong into June.

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Small business owners, including barbershops, lamented that they were the most affected by the outage as they lack alternative power sources.

The Chief's office, a health facility, hot shower points, and restaurants are also grappling with the power outage.

Zaitun Asman, who runs a welding business, claimed that she visited Kenya Power offices seeking answers about the outage but her inquiries went unanswered.

As a diabetic patient, she faces health risks because her insulin injections, which require refrigeration, have spoiled.

Dennis Iganga, a barbershop owner in Mombasa Ndogo, Shauri Moyo, stands in an empty shop on Monday, May 27, due to a month-long electricity blackout. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

"Five insulin injections have gone bad because of the blackout. I am living a risky life," Zaitun lamented while speaking to the Eastleigh Voice.

Denis Iganga, who runs a barbershop, has been unable to earn any income during the outage. He complained that his business is his sole source of income, and hopes Kenya Power will restore electricity soon.

"This is my only source of income. I have been struggling to even get a meal. I hope KPLC restores power," Iganga prayed.

Amina Ramadan, who operates a hot shower business, added that the power disruption has halted her business, making it difficult for her to adjust.

Amina Ramadhan closes a Kenya Power meter box. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

"I have a metre and have been a loyal customer. So why should I stay without power for this long?" Amina wondered.

Speaking to the Eastleigh Voice, community leader Juma Salim criticised and accused Kenya Power of crippling businesses in Mombasa Ndogo and Shauri Moyo

Juma claimed that KPLC failed to repair transformers promptly and that some officials demand bribes to fix the equipment.

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"They don't repair these transformers. Some of them even ask for bribes to do their work," Juma accused the officials of graft.

The community leader highlighted the broader impacts, noting that other than diabetic patients suffering because their insulin is spoiling, children cannot do their homework, and businesses are also making major losses.

He urged Kenya Power to restore electricity as soon as possible to alleviate suffering.

Zaitun Asman, a woman from Mombasa Ndogo in Shauri Moyo, suffers from high blood pressure. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

"We do not have any other option. KPLC has to restore power. Diabetic people might lose their lives," Juma urged.

Sources who spoke to the Eastleigh Voice claimed that Kenya Power disconnected electricity after some residents were caught enjoying illegal connections, contrary to warnings issued by the utility firm.

However, the residents claim that the firm should have only cut off power for the accused residents rather than punishing the whole estate.