Kenya: Authorities claim power restored to most parts of country as of early Dec. 11 following nationwide blackout late Dec. 10 /update 1

Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) officials asserted that power had been restored to most areas of the country as of 02:10 Dec. 11 following a nationwide blackout that began at around 20:00 Dec. 10. KPLC authorities said that power had been restored in all of the Mount Kenya, South Nyanza, Western, Central Rift, North Rift, and North Eastern regions, as well as in most of Nairobi. Meanwhile, power restoration work was continuing in parts of Nairobi and the Coast region as of early Dec. 11. The blackout reportedly impacted key transport infrastructure, including Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for about 15 minutes, as well as Eldoret International Airport (EDL), where backup generators failed to start following the blackout. KPLC attributed the electricity disruptions to a "suspected fault affecting the power system" and did not immediately estimate when power would be fully restored across the country.

Lingering disruptions to transport, business, internet service, and telecommunications are likely in areas that are subject to the power outage. The blackout could result in the temporary unavailability of essential services, such as ATMs and filling stations. The power outage could also adversely affect security protocols, including alarm systems and electronic fences; opportunistic criminal activity could increase during the electricity outage. Protests may materialize where electricity disruptions persist for an extended period. Although power was reportedly restored at NBO as of late Dec. 10, flight delays and cancellations are still possible at the facility as well as at other airports affected by the outage. Lingering disruptions may occur for several hours after regular power supply resumes as carriers reposition aircraft and work to resolve passenger backlogs. Ground traffic disruptions are possible in areas experiencing power disruptions due to malfunctioning traffic signals. Trains may experience delays if outages impact signaling equipment or overhead wires.