Erratic power supply irks traders in Kisii
A section of Ogembo town in Kisii County. Photo/Charles Magati
Traders in Ogembo, Kisii County on Friday last week pressed for an overhaul of Kenya Power company activities in the region.
They accused company officials of lethargy over constant power outages in the larger Ogembo municipality and its environs.
"We are hurting, they are dishing out electricity to us like drugs, we can't do much, we are running losses," stated James Nyakweba, a trader
With no power, most outlets are forced to close as early as 6. 00 in the evening, said Mr Nyakweba.
"The option available to most of us is closing early. We cannot work in the dark," stated Mr Nyakweba.
Bar and eatery joints owners also lamented low cash in the face of poor businesses.
Boda boda operators also said they fear extending hours of operation late into the night due to possible theft of motorbikes.
"Most operators lose their bikes in moments like this. You can't escort a customer deeper into deserted places because of the safety of your working tool," he said.
Similar protests from traders occured in Masimba in Masaba South on Wednesday last week.
The sub-County capital has been forced to do without power since last Wednesday.
The traders said said they had been incurring loses as the outages enter the second week.
Also affected are traders in outlying towns and the locals in the villages
The residents in the villages speak of possible break-ins
Traders say they now shut shops unusually early.
Mr Tom Nyameino, one of the traders, spoke of no response as their appeals to Kenya Power in Kisii land on a dead ear.
“I called a Kenya Power official early Thursday and he told me the problem was being sorted from Kisii town. Today (Saturday) I called him again and he told me the same things. These people are just inconsiderate. We are losing money and customers,,” Mr Nyameino told AVDelta News.
Mr John Momanyi, proprietor at a popular restaurant, said travelers checking into their rooms to lodge for a night use candles.
“It is uncomfortable and some times most customer feel they have not enjoyed our services fully. It is a delicate situation though and we hope it shall be restored today,” he said.
He said costs of running a generator was still high though they use it when customers want to watch football.
A Kenya Power employee, however, said after AVDelta News contacted him that the tree came crashing on a power line on Wednesday evening thus cutting off power to the town.
"We are looking into the issue and the emergency staff are already on their way there," said Kenya Power staff identified as Abuya.
