For the past week, residents and traders in Ishiara Market have been grappling with frequent power outages caused by even the lightest rainfall. The community is calling on the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to urgently address what many are calling a long-standing issue.
“Every time it rains, we lose power—sometimes for hours,” says Mary Wanjiku, who runs a small butchery in the market. “My fridge goes off, and I risk losing stock. It’s really affecting my business.”
Many residents echo her frustration, citing the constant interruptions as a major inconvenience. From students unable to study to shop owners unable to serve customers, the ripple effects are being felt across the town.
“We are not asking for miracles,” adds Joseph Njeru, a local boda boda operator. “We just want reliable electricity. We pay our bills—why should a little rain shut everything down?”
Residents are also urging KPLC to improve communication during outages. Advance warnings, updates, or even acknowledgments of the issue would go a long way in restoring public confidence.
Ishiara continues to grow as a commercial hub in the region. Its hardworking people deserve a power supply that can support progress—not one that flickers out with every drop of rain.
