Kisumu: The government has set aside Sh1.4 billion in the current financial year to scale up last-mile electricity connectivity in Kisumu County, Energy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Opiyo Wandayi has said. Speaking at Miruka village in North Nyakach ward, the CS emphasized that this allocation is part of an ongoing effort to connect long-marginalised areas to the national grid, aiming to enhance security and stimulate industrial growth.
According to Kenya News Agency, Wandayi highlighted that many targeted areas, such as Miruka village, have remained without electricity since independence. The electrification initiative will see Nyakach Sub-County receiving more than Sh200 million to ensure increased connectivity for villages and homes. Despite the significant allocations, Wandayi acknowledged that they are insufficient to cover all households, prompting his Ministry to seek additional resources from the National Treasury to expedite the rollout.
The CS expressed pride in the progress being made, noting that there is now a clear roadmap to illuminate all homes in the region. He praised President William Ruto’s commitment to extending electricity to historically disadvantaged regions, including parts of Nyanza, asserting that previous administrations had not adequately invested in these areas.
Wandayi called on residents to support the government’s development agenda, emphasizing that unity would accelerate ongoing projects. He also advocated for President Ruto’s re-election, arguing that a second term would allow for the completion of development plans. Furthermore, he urged the Luo community to remain aligned with the broad-based government, cautioning against collaboration with the opposition.
The last-mile electricity programme aims to expand access across rural and peri-urban areas, with thousands of new household connections in Kisumu County targeted before the financial year’s end.
