The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has denied reports that services at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) were disrupted following an abrupt power outage.
In a statement on Friday, August 30, 2024, KAA termed the reports false and misleading. According to the authority, services at the international airport continued interrupted as the standby backup generators were activated on time.
KAA thus maintained that passengers and flíght operations were not interrupted after power went off at around 9:30 pm.
“KAA would like to clarify that reports circulating on social media regarding disruptions to operations at the JKIA due to the nationwide power outage are false and misleading.
“The backup power systems and generators at the airport were activated promptly following tonight’s national grid outage, ensuring that the airport maintained full electricity supply without any interruption to services or flíght operations,” KAA’s statement read in part.
The authority further assured its customers that JKIA is fully committed to matching and meeting their demands while ensuring their safety remains a top priority.
“We assure the public that JKIA remains fully operational, and passengers can expect seamless service throughout their travel experience. The safety and security of our passengers are our top priorities, & we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards in airport operations,” KAA reiterated.
Power outage
On Friday night August 30, 2024, Kenya Power confirmed an outage of electricity in most parts of the country, except the North Rift region and sections of the Western region.
The utility firm did not reveal the cause of the blackout, only noting that it is working to restore power and will notify Kenyans once normalcy returns.
“We regret any inconvenience caused and urge for patience from our customers as we work towards restoring normalcy at the earliest opportunity. Kenya Power said in a statement to newsrooms.
“We will issue an update on the progress of the power restoration exercise as soon as possible,” Kenya Power said in a statement to newsrooms.
By midnight, electricity supply was restored in some parts of the country including Machakos County and Nairobi.
However, by the time of this publication, Kenya Power had not issued an update explaining the cause of the blackout.