Vihiga County residents and especially the business community have complained about the losses incurred due to the frequent power outages in the region.
Before the major power outage that rocked most part of the country on Tuesday this week the area has been experiencing massive power outages recently, a situation that has really affected the Juakali sector in the County.
Many business people around the County have incurred many losses caused by blackouts that occur during the day and night.
Philemon Mango who runs a barber shop at Mbale town complained of the accrued losses caused by power outages despite the complaints they have presented at the Kenya Power offices, just a few meters from his workstation.
“Electricity is important to my business and I can’t do anything without it. I have also incurred losses due to damaged electronic machines,” he said.
Mango said they had steady power supply at Mbale market and its environs but lately they have experienced the worst power outages in recent years.
Douglas Murefu who has a carpentry station at Majengo town said Juakali people are the most affected by power outages because their livelihood depends on the small businesses.
“In my workshop, I have machines that utilize electrical power. Now we are forced to wait for hours or even a whole day for electricity restoration,” said Murefu.
He complained of laxity in the Kenya Power Company staff who take long before dealing with emergencies in the County.
“Am calling on Kenya Power Company to make sure we get a steady supply of power in the region to help us run our operations without interference,” he said.
The Company’s Manager in Vihiga County, Evans Kowuor, said power outages are caused by technical problems saying he has qualified personnel that work on technical itches that occur in the area.
He urged residents to seek assistance from qualified electricians when doing electricity connections in the houses, noting that some power problems are caused by poor connection in the area. “We are based in Mbale town and we urge residents with electricity issues to always feel free to contact us in case of any technical issues arise,” said Kowuor.
