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Kenya Power highlights dangers of handling electrical appliances with wet hands
22nd July, 2026 05:20 PM
Kenya Power has cautioned domestic electricity consumers against operating switches, sockets, and power plugs with wet hands.
In a safety message released on July 22, 2026, the power distributor urged Kenyans to make sure their hands are completely dry before touching any electrical points inside their houses.
Dangers of mixing water and electricity
Water significantly lowers human skin resistance to electric current. Medical literature supports this caution, noting that “skin resistance is the most important factor in impeding current flow and protects against electrical injury; however, resistance changes with skin thickness and moisture.”
Any moisture left on fingers or palms creates a direct path for electric current to pass into the body.
The company emphasised that “handling switches, sockets, or plugs with wet hands increases the risk of electric shocks and severe injuries.”
These incidents often happen during ordinary household activities, such as turning on light switches right after washing hands, plugging in appliances in the kitchen, or touching sockets after stepping out of the shower.
Simple habits to keep homes safe
To prevent painful shocks and household accidents, the power firm advised family members to build a quick habit of wiping their hands dry before touching electrical equipment. Taking a moment to dry off before plugging in a cooker or flipping a light switch can prevent severe bodily harm.
As the electricity provider highlighted in the advisory, “Take a second to dry off. A simple habit keeps your home safe!” Keeping small hand towels near kitchen sinks and bathroom exits makes it easy for everyone in the house to practise safe habits every day.
Kenya Power wrapped up the safety message with a clear call to every household: “Keep your hands and home safe.” Customers who want to report electrical faults or find out more about safety can contact Kenya Power through its official online pages or by dialling USSD code *977#.
