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The Nairobian

Our staff were met with hostility; KPLC says after KU students protest over blackout

National

By Stephanie Wangari | Jan 27, 2025

**An electrician at work.** [File, Standard]

The Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has linked the recent power shortage affecting some Kenyatta University students to an incident that occurred on Thursday during the replacement of a transformer in the Kiwanja area, Roysambu.

In a statement issued on Monday, KPLC said that several of their staff were injured after being attacked by local residents, who threw stones, assaulted them, and damaged their truck.

“As a result, KPLC said that some of the staff were hospitalized while the truck had been moved to the workshop for repairs,” the statement read.

The company added that it is working closely with security agencies to address the situation in Kiwanja and restore power supply as soon as possible.

KPLC explained that a (200kVA) transformer serving the area failed late last year, and due to a lack of similar units in their stores, a temporary 315kVA transformer was installed while a suitable replacement was sourced.

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However, when the ideal transformer was finally procured and a team was sent to install it, they were met with hostility from local residents.

“The area is home to hostels and other residential buildings, including those housing students from Kenyatta University,” the statement noted.

The power outage prompted protests on Monday, as Kenyatta University students blocked a section of the Thika Superhighway, causing a significant traffic snarl-up.