Kenya hit by nationwide power blackout, flights delayed

There was a nationwide power outage in Kenya on Saturday at dawn following a breakdown on the main supply lines located 100 kilometers northwest of the capital, Nairobi.

A statement from the east African nation's power utility said technicians were on the ground to repair the damaged transmission lines.

"A technical hitch led to the tripping of our main supply line: Olkaria- Nairobi 220 KV leading to a power outage in most parts of the country," read the statement.

It urged members of the public to be patient as technicians intensified efforts to repair the damaged power supply lines.

Several flights were delayed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi following the prolonged power blackout.

Likewise, several domestic flights at the Eldoret Airport in the North Rift region were delayed as a result of power outage.

As the nationwide power blackout stretched to mid morning on Saturday, businesses experienced a lull.

Small scale enterprises were disproportionately affected by the power outage that was unexpected.

Dozens of shop owners, hair stylists and dress makers who spoke to Xinhua said the power blackout had affected their businesses.

"I woke up early only to face the bleak reality of unending power blackout. Am afraid of incurring losses on a day that business is usually brisk," remarked Charles Mulei, a barber in a low income district in Nairobi. Endit