Kenya: Power outages continue nationwide early Aug. 26 /update 1

Event

Power outages continue to be reported nationwide as of early Aug. 26, with service resuming in some areas. According to Kenya Power, power was restored to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) around 03:00 Aug. 26 and other parts of the Nairobi metropolitan area. Kenya Power confirmed that the blackout started around 22:00 Aug. 25 due to a fault at one of their generation plants. Officials did not confirm when electrical service will be restored to the rest of the country.

Flight delays and cancellations are likely at NBO and other airports affected by the outages. Lingering disruptions may occur for several hours after regular power supply resumes as carriers reposition aircraft and work to resolve passenger backlogs. Commercial and communications disruptions are also possible until technicians fully restore electrical service. Traffic disruptions and longer driving times may occur during these periods due to malfunctioning traffic signals. Power outages could also result in the temporary unavailability of essential services, such as hospitals, ATMs, and petrol stations. Outages could adversely affect security protocols, including alarm systems and electronic fences; opportunistic criminal activity could increase during electricity outages.

Advice

If operating in Kenya, charge battery-powered devices and conserve battery power when possible to mitigate the risk posed by prolonged electricity outages. Avoid nonessential travel through poorly lit areas during the blackout. Confirm flight reservations and prepare for lingering disruptions at NBO; do not check out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed. Plan accordingly for delivery delays. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.