There is never a dull moment on social media, especially in Kenya, where the vibrant online community has a knack for creating memes from even the most serious government communications.
As the country joins the rest of the world in marking Valentine’s Day, a section of the netizens have no issues with the country plunging into darkness due to scheduled maintenance.
And so, when Kenya Power issued a notice informing Kenyans of power interruptions in select parts of the country on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2024, many were not as bothered as they would be on other days.
Some opined that the power utility firm was setting the mood for the day when lovers express their affection with heartfelt messages, gifts and romantic dinners.
“Candlelit loading,” X user @_yuleD wrote.
“Wooow, so itakuwa candle lit dinner every where,” Chogo Nyar Okil wrote on Facebook.
“Mimba za kesho is inevitable ata kwa giza,” another user @OyugiGabriell posted.
Another tweep wrote: “Kenya power announces scheduled mandatory candle-lit dinners.”
@smanktof retorted: “Tumejipanga na mishumaa za red 😅🔥.”
Others, who hold strong opinions about Valentine’s Day, suggested that telecommunications giant Safaricom should shut down its mobile money service M-Pesa today.
“Can Safaricom do something about M-Pesa kesho?” @josewanaks posed.
“We know Kenya power is headed by a guy, We’ll played simu iko 10%, nangojea izime. @Safaricom_Care
zima mpesa kesho, plus reverse calls and sms. @AIRTEL_KE block all across network calls. #TukoMensConference kwa bar!” @pindre360 said.
Blackout
According to Kenya Power, the scheduled blackout will affect parts of Kisii, Nandi, Kajiado, Makueni and Machakos counties.
Parts of Machakos County will experience power interruptions for eight hours, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The affected areas include; Transview Estate, Total Athi River, Kiuini Secondary, Portland Senior Staff Quarters and adjacent customers.
The larger Kaumoni and Kibwezi towns in Makueni County will experience power interruptions from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The specific areas affected include; Itangini Market, Kaumoni, Ngoluni, Kisau Girls, Mbumbuni Market, No Nyanya, Ngaa, Kithungo, Tawa, Kalawani, Wanzauni, Kikima, Mavindu, Uvaani, Kyuu Nzeveni, Makindu, Mtito Andei, Ikutha, Mutomo and adjacent customers.
Parts of Lower Matasia in Kajiado County will be in blackout from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The areas affected include; Migaa Road, St. Patrick, Oloseos, Ilmasin, Kona Baridi Kisamis, Lingaroch, Ilodariak, Tinga, Ensonorua and adjacent customers.
Parts of Nandi county will not have electricity supply from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The areas affected include; Chebarbar, Tilalwa, Kapdilidil, Baraton Center, Chepterit Girls, Kapkobis, Kapdididil, Part of Maili Nne and adjacent customers.
Parts of Kiamokama and Ibacho in Kisii County will be in blackout from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
The areas affected include; Part of Kiamokama Market, Moremani Village, Ibacho Market, Obwari Primary, Getare Girls High School, Nyankononi Secondary, Mokobokobo Primary, Kenyerere Primary and adjacent customers.
Part of Mwembe and Kiamabundu in Kisii County will be in blackout from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm.
The areas affected include Mwembe, Gekomu, Otamba, Gesure, Kiamabundu, Nyansancha and adjacent customers.
