Opiyo Wandayi has attributed the widespread power outages experienced in Nairobi during the heavy March rains to flooding at key substations and extensive damage caused by storms, strong winds and falling trees.
Speaking before the Senate on Wednesday, Wandayi said stormwater overflow affected critical electricity substations located in areas where urban development has interfered with natural drainage systems.
“Due to the storms and strong winds during this time, trees growing near power lines fell on the lines, leading to damage of both high and low voltage power lines and transformers, thereby causing extensive outages,” he said.
According to the CS, several substations were affected, including Nairobi West, Industrial Area, Ridgeways, Kimathi and Syokimau substations.
The outages disrupted electricity supply in major areas such as South C, Lang’ata, Upper Hill, South B, Industrial Area, Jogoo Road, Ridgeways, Mlolongo, Mavoko and Katani.
Wandayi further explained that storms brought down trees onto electricity lines in parts of Dagoretti North, Lang’ata, Westlands and Ngong, damaging transformers and both high- and low-voltage lines.
The Energy CS said the Ministry, working alongside Kenya Power and Lighting Company and Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation, conducted assessments to determine the extent of the damage and identify vulnerabilities exposed by the floods.
He warned that climate-related threats to Kenya’s electricity infrastructure are becoming more severe and require long-term solutions.
“The Ministry, through KPLC, did assess the effect of the floods and vulnerability of the substations. Indeed, the threat posed by floods on the power system is immense and cannot be just wished away,” Wandayi stated.
Among the mitigation measures being considered are raising older substations above ground level, undergrounding sections of power distribution lines and replacing wooden electricity poles with concrete alternatives to improve resilience against extreme weather.
Wandayi also highlighted ongoing rural electrification efforts in Kajiado County under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme.
He said KSh165.7 million has been allocated to fund 53 electrification projects expected to benefit approximately 1,750 customers through new connections and expansion works.
The CS maintained that the government remains committed to strengthening Kenya’s electricity infrastructure while expanding access to power across the country.
