Residents of Yatwa in Nuu, Mwingi East, and Musukini area are voicing their frustrations as they continue to endure prolonged power outages that have persisted since March 2023.
With no end in sight to the blackout, locals are calling on the government, through the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), to urgently address the situation and restore electricity.
The absence of electricity has profoundly impacted the daily lives of residents, affecting various aspects including education, healthcare, and livelihoods. One of the most pressing concerns raised by the residents is the detrimental effect on education, particularly in schools where evening and morning preps have become impossible due to the lack of power.
The blackout has hindered students’ ability to study effectively, diminishing their academic performance and prospects. Teachers and students alike are struggling to cope with the limitations imposed by the persistent power outage, hampering educational progress in the region.
Speaking on behalf of the community, local leaders and residents emphasized the urgency of the matter, highlighting the adverse effects of the power outage on both personal and communal levels.” we have had almost a year of darkness, our children in boarding schools cannot attend the evening preps because of the blackout, we request the government through the Kenya power to restore electricity.”
They stressed that access to electricity is not only a basic necessity but also a fundamental right that enables development and improves quality of life.
Efforts to engage the authorities and KPLC to address the issue have so far yielded little progress, leaving residents increasingly frustrated and disillusioned. Despite numerous appeals and petitions, the situation remains unchanged, exacerbating the challenges faced by the affected communities.
In light of the ongoing plight, residents are urging the government and relevant stakeholders to expedite efforts to restore electricity to Yatwa, Nuu, Mwingi East, and Musukini areas without further delay. They assert that access to reliable electricity is essential for socio-economic development, and its absence impedes progress and perpetuates inequality.
As the blackout persists, residents continue to mobilize and advocate for their rights, demanding immediate action to alleviate their suffering and restore normalcy to their daily lives. Their collective voice echoes a call for accountability and responsiveness from the authorities, underscoring the importance of addressing the needs of marginalized communities.
In the face of adversity, the resilience and determination of the residents of Yatwa, Nuu, Mwingi East, and Musukini areas remain unwavering as they persist in their quest for justice and equitable access to essential services. It is imperative that their cries for help are heard and that concrete measures are taken to rectify the situation, ensuring that no community is left behind in the journey towards progress and prosperity.
