Maragua: The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has successfully reduced electricity transmission and system losses to 21.7 percent, a decrease from the 23.74 percent recorded in 2022. This reduction highlights a significant improvement in efficiency within the nation’s power sector. Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira, speaking in Maragua Constituency, Murang’a County, during the launch of the Kanderendu Rural Electrification Project, emphasized that this reduction is part of ongoing reforms aimed at minimizing energy wastage across the national grid while lowering electricity costs for consumers.
According to Kenya News Agency, the government aims to further decrease electricity losses to 16 percent in the forthcoming years. Wachira noted that reduced transmission losses lead to lower power costs, which in turn, reduce the bills paid by consumers. Over the past three years, more than 37,000 households in Murang’a County have been connected to electricity, with a target of at least 50,000 household connections by the end of the year under the Last-mile Connectivity Programme.
The Ministry reports that approximately 13,097 households across Murang’a County are set to benefit from ongoing connectivity projects. Specifically, 1,045 households in Maragua Constituency are expected to be connected to electricity in the current phase. However, Wachira expressed concern over the persistent theft and vandalism of power infrastructure, particularly aluminum conductors and transformers, which significantly contribute to system losses.
The Kanderendu electrification project aims to expand electricity access to homes, schools, and businesses, thereby opening up new economic opportunities for residents. Maragua Member of Parliament, Mary Wamaua, praised the initiative, noting that electricity connectivity in the constituency has now reached about 65 percent. The government has invested over Sh125 million to connect 1,545 homes across Maragua Constituency, marking a significant milestone towards achieving 100 percent electricity connectivity.
Wamaua emphasized the importance of continued advocacy for the Last Mile Connectivity, highlighting that electricity enhances business opportunities, improves security, and supports agricultural activities and industries, such as welding and small factories. She added that expanded electricity access would stimulate economic growth in rural areas and improve livelihoods by enabling residents to engage in productive ventures.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Kwanza government remains committed to continued investments in rural electrification to ensure universal electricity access, a move aimed at strengthening economic activities among communities nationwide.
