Power backup that works in Kenya
Matching backup gear to how long your outages actually last, and what to skip.
Outage guides
Outage preparedness checklist for Kenyan households.
Most outages in Kenya are manageable if you've got the basics sorted ahead of time. This is the short version — the full detail on each area lives in the linked guides below.
Covers
Power, water, and staying informed
Time to set up
Under an hour, one-time
Goal
Never be caught off guard
The checklist
- Keep a power bank charged at all times — not just when you hear an outage is coming.
- Have a solar lantern or rechargeable LED light on hand instead of relying on candles.
- Store 5–10 litres of clean water per household member in a covered container.
- Know where your nearest alternative water source is, in case an outage runs long.
- Check the planned power alerts for your area before assuming an outage is unplanned.
- Bookmark your county's live alerts page so you can check it quickly during an outage.
- If you spot an outage, report it with a specific location so your neighbours benefit too.
Go deeper on each area
This checklist is intentionally short. If you want the full reasoning and specific recommendations behind each item, these guides go into more detail:
Water storage and hygiene
How much to store, what order to use it in, and staying clean when supply is tight.
How to report an outage well
What makes a report actually useful to the people near you.
FAQ
What's the single most useful thing to have ready?
A charged power bank. It's the cheapest, most universal fix for both power outages and staying reachable during them.
How do I know if a power cut is planned or unplanned?
Check the planned power alerts — if it's not listed there, it's likely unplanned.
Where can I see outages happening near me right now?
Your county's live alerts page on OutageKE shows planned and unplanned outages, including community reports.
Stay ready
Use OutageKE as part of your outage plan.
Check alerts, report what you see, and keep a small backup kit ready for the next interruption.