The Garissa Human Rights Watch Group has urgently appealed to the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to address a prolonged power outage affecting the Balambala Sub-county.
Residents have endured six months without electricity, causing significant disruptions to daily life and essential services.
In a letter addressed to the regional manager of KPLC, Hassan Gumo, the Chairperson of the Garissa Human Rights Watch Group, outlined the dire consequences of the prolonged power outage.
“The absence of electricity has severely impacted the local economy, healthcare services, education, and overall quality of life,” said Gumo.
He said small businesses in the area are struggling to operate, schools cannot provide adequate learning environments, and healthcare facilities face challenges in delivering critical services.
The group expressed frustration over the lack of communication and responsiveness from the power distributor despite numerous complaints and appeals from residents and local leaders.
“This situation is not only detrimental to the socio-economic development of the area but also poses serious risks to the well-being and safety of the community,” the letter read.
The Garissa Human Rights Watch Group has called for immediate and decisive action from the Energy corporation.
The group is demanding an investigation into the cause of the outage, a transparent plan with a timeline for power restoration, regular updates on progress, and compensation for the losses and inconveniences suffered by residents and businesses.
The ongoing power outage in Balambala has left the community in a state of uncertainty and hardship.
The town is approximately 77 kilometers (about 48 miles) from Garissa the administrative capital of Garissa County by road.
Residents have expressed that they are eagerly awaiting a response from the power supplier and hope for a swift resolution to this critical issue.
Sahara Hussein, a resident of Balambala expressed her frustration, stating that the situation has been extremely frustrating and that they need answers and immediate action.
“This situation has been extremely frustrating. We need answers and immediate action. The prolonged silence from KPLC has only heightened our worries,” Sahara said.
Dakane Osman, a local businessman, said residents are losing patience and that it is vital for responsible agency to step up and address the matter.
“The prolonged silence from KPLC has only heightened their worries,” he said.
Suleiman Halane said it is crucial for the energy company to provide transparent and timely updates to the community.
He said the providers should take the necessary steps to rectify the situation which remains the community’s biggest concern.
The community, a predominantly Somali majority, is calling for an urgent town hall meeting to discuss the ongoing issue and hear directly from KPLC officials.
“Residents are losing patience, and it’s vital for the power distributie to step up and address this matter,” said Mama Dahabo, a kiosk owner.
Mama Dahabo – Balambala
KPLC has not responded to the power outrage in the sub-county, or taken the necessary steps to rectify the situation. Efforts to reach officials at the organization went futile.
The local community is calling for an urgent town hall meeting to discuss the ongoing issue and hear directly from KPLC officials.
The Garissa Human Rights Watch Group said it remains committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of the affected community and ensuring accountability from service providers.
