Kenya Power Schedules Nationwide Maintenance Blackouts Across 13 Counties This Week
Nairobi, 4 March 2026
Kenya Power has implemented a two-day rolling blackout programme affecting 13 counties on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, following similar outages in 4 counties on Monday. The scheduled maintenance cuts, running from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., impact major urban centres including Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nyeri as part of infrastructure improvement works. Essential services, businesses, and households across the affected regions must prepare for eight-hour power disruptions during peak daytime hours.
Extensive County Coverage Disrupts Urban and Rural Areas
The Tuesday power interruptions affect thirteen counties across Kenya, with most outages scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m [1]. In Nairobi County, residents in Kamukunji and Mathare areas will experience blackouts during these hours, whilst Kiambu County faces disruptions in Rironi, Thamanda, Kiambaa, and the Chief Koinange Girls area [1]. Coastal regions bear significant impact, with Mombasa County’s Serena Area and Pangoni losing power, alongside Kilifi County’s Malindi Town and Kisumu Ndogo areas [1]. The Central Kenya region sees widespread disruptions in Nyeri County covering Kamune, Geitwa, and Iruri areas, whilst Kirinyaga County’s Kagio Town, Kahiro Village, Kinyaga Village, Kianjogu Village, Kandongu Market, Kiamikuyu Village, and Gitooini Village will be without electricity [1].
Regional Variations and Extended Hours
Certain counties face extended outage periods beyond the standard schedule. Tharaka Nithi County, affecting Ciakaringa and Marimanti Prison, will experience interruptions from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., representing a longer 8.5 hour disruption compared to the standard eight hours [1]. Nandi County residents in Tulon and Corner areas face slightly extended hours from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m [1]. Additional affected counties include Taita Taveta’s Bachuma area, Kwale County’s Msambweni and Lungalunga regions, Kisii County’s Magena and Nyangusu areas, West Pokot County’s Kamatira Primary and Kanisa Mbili, and Bungoma County’s Webuye and Misikhu areas [1].
Monday’s Preceding Outages Established Pattern
The Tuesday interruptions follow a similar pattern established on Monday, 2 March 2026, when Kenya Power conducted planned outages across four counties [2]. Monday’s blackouts affected Nyeri County’s Sasini and Tree Tops areas, including specific locations such as Sasini Waihenya Estate, St. Mary’s Hospital, Mweiga Estate Pump, and Nyeri High School [2]. Kirinyaga County experienced interruptions in Mucagara Town and Thumaita, affecting Mucagara Market, Kiambogo, and Kamugunda Market [2]. Nairobi’s Nairobi West area, particularly Jakaya Kikwete and Milimani sections, lost power affecting Valley Road, EACC, Nairobi Region Police Quarters, and numerous hotels and commercial establishments [2]. Vihiga County’s outages impacted the Vihiga Law Courts, Vihiga Police, Vihiga High School, and surrounding communities [2].
Preparing for Power Interruptions: Essential Steps
Residents and businesses in affected areas should take immediate preparatory measures for the eight-hour power disruptions [GPT]. Essential preparations include charging mobile devices, tablets, and power banks before 9:00 a.m. on the scheduled day [GPT]. Businesses should backup critical data and inform customers of potential service disruptions, particularly those operating electronic payment systems or requiring refrigeration [GPT]. Healthcare facilities with electrical equipment must activate backup power systems and ensure generators are operational [GPT]. Households should prepare alternative cooking methods, secure adequate water supplies, and stock essential medications that require refrigeration in cool boxes with ice [GPT]. The power company’s notice system, announced on Sunday, 1 March 2026, provides residents with advance warning to make necessary arrangements [2].