A power blackout hit Marsabit town and its environs today which left residents without electricity for more than five hours.  The outage which the Kenya power and lighting company (KPLC) attributed to a routine maintenance undertaking disrupted operations at both business areas and offices.

Lack of power affected internet connectivity in government and private entities save for the Huduma centre and banks which have standby generators for alternative sources of power.

Operators of salons, barber shops, chemists, cyber cafes, garages and eateries expressed concern over business losses incurred due to the blackout.

Zachariah Wanaina, a KPLC official said the power shortage was as a result of a routine maintenance activity that was aimed at stabilizing power supply to the residents.