Heavy rains that swept across Nairobi on Friday night caused severe flooding, damaging the South C electricity substation and disrupting power supply in multiple parts of the city.
Kenya Power confirmed on Saturday that the floods breached the facility after part of its boundary wall collapsed, allowing water to enter the installation and interfere with electricity distribution.
The affected areas include South B, South C, Nairobi West, Madaraka Estate, Langata, as well as key commercial and public spots such as Wilson Airport, Kenyatta Market, Ngumo Estate, the Industrial Area, and Uhuru Gardens.
In a statement to customers, the electricity company said, “Our engineers are already on site, carefully assessing the damage to electrical equipment and working tirelessly to carry out the necessary tests and repairs. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience and understanding. Kindly report any power incidents via *977#.”
Kenya Power noted that, where possible, some customers are being temporarily switched to nearby substations to reduce disruption as repair works continue.
The floods also led to a tragic loss of life, with Nairobi Police Commander George Seda confirming that at least 10 people died in different incidents across the city. “Eight of the victims were swept away by fast-rising floodwaters,” Seda said, adding that emergency teams are still responding to ongoing incidents.
The downpour paralyzed traffic, with residents and motorists spending up to eight hours on various roads as floodwaters rendered key routes impassable. Police reports indicate that at least 71 vehicles were stranded across the city due to the severe flooding. Seda highlighted that the lack of adequate drainage systems in Nairobi worsened the situation, contributing to widespread waterlogging and road blockages.
Authorities continue to assess damages and coordinate restoration efforts, while residents are urged to exercise caution and report electricity-related incidents to Kenya Power.