Kenya Power transformer explodes at Eastleigh junction in Nairobi

What happened

On 1 November 2023 a Kenya Power transformer exploded at the junction of Muratina and Waudo streets in Eastleigh, Nairobi. The blast produced sparks, and witnesses described darkness and smoke afterwards. Residents, boda boda riders and pedestrians nearby panicked and ran for cover. Kenya Power had not issued an official statement at the time of the report. Injuries, the cause, and whether supply was lost beyond the immediate darkness, were not reported.

Contributing factors

The cause was not reported.

Lessons learned

1. A transformer at a busy street junction can fail without warning, so operators should be ready to isolate the equipment and make the area safe.
2. Prompt public information after a loud failure helps limit alarm when the cause and any ongoing risk are not yet known.
3. Reports of sparks, darkness and smoke should be followed up to confirm whether supply was lost and whether anyone was hurt.

Source

eastleighvoice.co.ke