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Kenya Power explains why Jua Kali residents have experienced week-long power interruptions
01st September, 2026 06:56 PM
Residents in the Jua Kali area around Kamukunji, Nairobi, have experienced power interruptions for approximately one week, with Kenya Power attributing the disruptions to illegal electricity connections in the area.
The utility company on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, said its team was in the area addressing the illegal connections, warning that the activities could affect not only those illegally connected to the network but also other residents.
“Residents around Juakali have experienced power interruptions for approximately one week as a result of the illegal activities,” Kenya Power said.
The company explained that illegal electricity connections can overload the power network, potentially resulting in interruptions and affecting electricity supply to surrounding areas.
“Ilegal connections can overload the network, leading to power interruptions. And the impact doesn’t stop with those illegally connected, it can affect you as well,” the company said.
How illegal connections affect power supply
According to the utility company, every transformer has a specified capacity that determines the amount of electricity it can safely handle.
“Every transformer has a specified capacity. When that capacity is exceeded through illegal connections, the transformer can become overloaded or damaged, affecting electricity supply to the surrounding area,” it said.
The company’s intervention in Jua Kali is part of efforts to address illegal electricity connections and protect the reliability of the power network.
Kenya Power also warned that illegal connections pose serious safety risks to communities.
“Illegal connections also expose our communities to serious safety risks such as electrocution and fires, while denying the electricity sector the critical revenue needed for growth,” the company said.
The utility company further urged residents to avoid connecting to electricity illegally and encouraged members of the public to report suspected cases.
How to report illegal electricity connections
Additionally, Kenya Power said members of the public can report illegal connections through several channels.
Residents can dial *977#, use the myPower app, call 97771, notify the police or visit the nearest Kenya Power office.
“Say NO to illegal connections!” the company urged.
The company’s warning comes as it continues efforts to curb illegal connections, which it says can contribute to power interruptions, damage electricity infrastructure and create potentially dangerous conditions for residents.
