Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella(centre), the Energy Sector Lead, together with Deputy Ministers 1 and 2.Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, is currently experiencing a severe power outage, which many believe is the result of poorly managed government-Karpowership negotiations, which are being supervised by Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, the Energy Sector Lead. Dr. Yumkella led the Ministry of Energy’s months-long efforts to negotiate an extension of the Karpowership’s contract, which was about to expire. Sources with knowledge of the talks, however, have attacked Dr. Yumkella for how he handled the negotiations, claiming that his strategy was ineffectual and ultimately caused them to fail. Citing unpaid debts owed by the government, Karpowership formally announced on May 28, 2025, that it would stop providing electricity to Freetown, effective midnight on June 12, 2025. According to reports, Dr. Yumkella boasted to Karpowership’s management that the government would look for other ways to power the city, suggesting that the ship was no longer required. This decision has left many businesses and households in Freetown without electricity for over a week, resulting in widespread disruption and frustration. This ongoing power crisis has had a particularly negative impact on the hospitality industry. Due to their forced reliance on costly fuel-powered generators to maintain operations, large hotels, restaurants, and residential areas are experiencing severe operational difficulties and financial losses. The frequent power outages have prompted many business owners to express their concerns, as they fear the situation may cause their operations to fail.
Dr. Yumkella promised a consistent supply of electricity, but the reality on the ground paints a different picture. The ongoing blackout has raised serious questions about the long-term sustainability of businesses reliant on a consistent power supply, and many Sierra Leoneans are beginning to doubt KKY. The city grows increasingly impatient, and the crisis’s possible long-term repercussions could significantly impact both the local economy and citizens’ quality of life. The residents of Freetown eagerly await prompt action from their leaders to address this urgent matter, as the stakes have never been higher.
