Kenya Power has announced scheduled power interruptions in seven counties on Friday, March 13, as part of planned maintenance works.

In a notice on Thursday, March 12, the company said the outages will affect parts of Machakos, Uasin Gishu, Bungoma, Vihiga, Kisumu, Nyeri, and Isiolo counties.

In Machakos County, electricity supply will be interrupted in the Kangundo area from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

The outage will affect locations including Kangundo town, Maisha Mazuri, parts of Nguluni, Kakuyuni, Syanthi, Mukukuni, Kasyulya Ngove, Kawethei, Mbusyani, Kyevaluki, and several markets such as Kikomba, Kithuiani, and Matetani.

Residents in parts of Uasin Gishu County will also experience power interruptions between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. in areas such as Chuiyat and Bindura, affecting locations including Kamuyu, Tulwet, Ngeny, Kapngetuny, Lingwai, and Bayete.

In Bungoma County, two areas will be affected. 

Power will be switched off in Lufwindiri and Nzoia Market areas from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., impacting places such as Kulumbeni, Chenjeni, Chekata, Chegulo, Mafusi, Sango, Makhukhuni, Vashele, Lwichi Dairy, and Lumani. 

Another outage is scheduled in Nalondo Market from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., affecting Nalondo Market, Kisiwa Market, Lurende Market and School, and Kisiwa Technical School.

In Vihiga County, electricity supply will be interrupted in the Shamakhokho Market area between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. 

Areas expected to be affected include Vokoli Girls, Sabatia Eye Hospital, Mago, Chamakanga, Mudungu, Kwa Shem, Lotego, Busali Union, Mululu, Bugina, Wangulu, Busweta, and Jamlongoji Ogalo.

In Kisumu County, the outage will affect the White Coal and Great Lakes University area from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including the Sugar Research offices, Kajulu Water, Gita Market, Kianja, and Nyabondo.

Meanwhile, in Nyeri County, power will be interrupted in Githakwa and Kigogoini areas between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., affecting Githakwa Village, Githakwa Market, Githakwa Secondary School, Kiamugwe, Kiriti Secondary School, Gachuiro Village, and Kigogoini Market among others.

In Isiolo County, the outage will affect Kinna, Garbatulla, and Benane areas from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., impacting locations such as Garbatulla District Hospital, Kinna Hospital, Duse, Rapsu, Kula Mawe, and Mbarambate.

The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has confirmed the arrest of goons involved in the attacks on properties owned by former PS Irungu Nyakera and ex-CS Raphael Tuju.

Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, March 12, Kanja stated that the suspects would be arraigned in court over the raid of the Kisumu Hotel and the Karen home.

He reiterated that the police would not allow the use of goons ahead of the 2027 elections and vowed to take firm action.

“Goons are criminals, and we don’t have space for goons. We have arrested many, and we have taken many to court. The DCI is busy making sure that those who are not conforming are taken to court,” Kanja said.

On his part, the DCI Boss Amin Mohamed confirmed the arrests, adding that the investigative agency was reviewing footage shared to identify the suspects.

“We have taken note of the incidents that took place in Karen and Kisumu, and we have already arrested a couple of people who have already been arraigned before the court, and for some, we are in the process of identifying them,” Amin stated.

IG Kanja, who chaired a meeting with Police County Commanders, reminded them that they would be held responsible for any security lapses within their jurisdictions.

“I must mention, I have reminded them that they are responsible for the security and safety of their counties,” he stated.

The statement by the IG and DCI Boss came amid concerns raised over the spate of attacks carried out by goons across the country.

In an earlier statement, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo questioned the rise of gangster culture in the country and a perceived tolerance by authorities.

Odhiambo warned that the country would easily decelerate to the level of Haiti, where criminal gangs run the country.

This comes after over 100 goons attacked the former Devolution PS Irungu Nyakera’s hotel in Kisumu County on Wednesday morning.

In a statement, Nyakera claimed that the goons stormed the premises, attacked the staff, and destroyed property of unknown value.

Nyakera noted that he was at the hotel at the time and fired two warning shots into the air to scare away the goons from the premises.

“At 5:00 am today, over 100 goons attacked my hotel in Kisumu, damaging property and injuring our staff, including tying up the security lady. Upon hearing the commotion, I quickly went after them, shooting twice in the air as they fled,” said Nyakera.

On the other hand, Tuju confronted several goons who stormed his property on Wednesday night and attempted to evict him.

Speaking after the incident, Tuju said that the goons were claiming they were representing the new owners of the property following an alleged auction.

“The person whom they told me they were working for is a person who claims to have bought this place. But all those are some of the things which are being prosecuted in court,” Tuju said.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of moderate to heavy rainfall in Nairobi and surrounding counties over the next 24 hours.

In an update on Thursday, March 12, the agency said within Nairobi County, rainfall is expected to vary across different areas, with moderate to heavy rainfall concentrated in eastern and central parts of the city.

Areas such as Embakasi East, Embakasi North, and Embakasi Central are projected to receive some of the highest rainfall totals, with localized pockets possibly exceeding 50 mm.

Other areas including Westlands, Dagoretti, Kibra, Lang’ata, and Kasarani are expected to experience light to moderate rainfall, generally ranging between 10 mm and 30 mm during the forecast period.

In neighboring Kiambu County, most areas are expected to experience light to moderate rainfall, although localized heavy showers could occur in some northern parts of the county.

Areas around Gatundu North show the potential for heavier rainfall cells, while towns such as Thika, Ruiru, Juja, Limuru, Kikuyu, and Kiambaa are forecast to receive moderate precipitation through the 24-hour period.

The forecast for Kajiado County indicates widely scattered rainfall, with most parts expected to receive light to moderate showers.

However, isolated intense storms may develop in sections of Kajiado Central and Kajiado North, where rainfall could exceed 40 mm in localized areas. 

Much of Kajiado South is projected to remain relatively drier compared to other parts of the county.

Parts of Machakos County are also expected to experience moderate rainfall, particularly around Machakos Town and nearby areas.

The forecast map indicates pockets of heavier rainfall stretching from Machakos toward Mwala and Kangundo, while areas around Matungulu and Mavoko may receive lighter but consistent showers.

Senator Hamida Kibwana has requested a Statement from the Senate Standing Committee on Health regarding the growing burden of sepsis in Kenya, a life-threatening condition that continues to affect newborns, children and adults across the country.

The Senator noted that sepsis remains a serious public health concern that is often under-recognized despite its devastating impact on patients and families.

“Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that, if not detected and treated promptly, can lead to organ failure, septic shock and death. Despite its severity, it remains under-recognized, costly to treat, and a major contributor to mortality in our hospitals,” Senator Kibwana stated.

In her request, the Senator asked the Committee to provide updated national data on the prevalence and mortality rates of sepsis in Kenya, disaggregated by age groups including newborns, children and adults.

The Committee is also expected to outline measures taken by the Ministry of Health Kenya to strengthen infection prevention and control protocols in health facilities. This includes detailing strategies being implemented to address antimicrobial resistance, which continues to complicate the management and treatment of sepsis.

Further, the Senator asked the Committee to report on the status of neonatal and adult intensive care units across counties, including whether these facilities are adequately equipped with the necessary infrastructure, medical equipment and trained personnel to manage severe sepsis and septic shock.

Additionally, the Committee should explain government strategies aimed at improving early diagnosis and expanding laboratory capacity, enhancing the training of healthcare workers, and indicate whether there are plans to subsidize or cover sepsis treatment under the Social Health Insurance Fund in order to protect families from catastrophic medical expenses.

In a separate request, Senator Kibwana also sought a Statement from the Senate Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources regarding concerns over lead contamination in soils and water in parts of Kenya.

By Anthony Solly