The government has committed to connect more than 27,000 households to electricity in Bungoma County under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the government has allocated Sh1.9 billion to connect more than 27000 households to electricity across the county.
Speaking at Wabukhonyi in Webuye East Constituency during the launch of the programme, Wandayi noted that many residents in Bungoma have lived without electricity for a long time.
He added that the government is intensifying efforts to ensure those areas are connected to electricity.
He acknowledged that the allocated funds may not be sufficient to connect all households but assured residents that his ministry will seek additional funding in the next financial year to expand coverage.
The CS further announced that the ministry has set aside Sh6 million to purchase and install a powerful transformer at Bungoma County Referral Hospital that will enable the hospital to efficiently operate heavy medical equipment.
This, he said, will enable the hospital to offer more advanced services and reduce the cost burden for patients who currently travel far away for specialised services.
Wandayi said that the power substation at Webuye is slated for an upgrade to minimise frequent power outages in the area.
He pointed out that the government was in the process of establishing a power generation station at Nabuyole Waterfall in Webuye town, which is expected to produce over 40 megawatts of electricity once completed.
“The government is in the process of establishing a power generation station at Nabuyole Waterfall, which is expected to produce over 40 megawatts of electricity upon completion.
The project will create employment opportunities for the youth during and after construction and will significantly strengthen and stabilise electricity supply in the region,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Wandayi issued a stern warning to individuals impersonating Kenya Power employees and stealing transformers and electricity cables, saying offenders will face the full force of the law.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies to save the government from losing millions of shillings through vandalism of power equipment.
Webuye East Member of Parliament Martin Pepela lauded the government’s efforts, noting that access to electricity will spur economic growth, enhance security, and create employment opportunities, especially for the youth.
Pepela observed that insecurity in the area had been occasioned by poor lighting and expressed optimism that the new connections will deter criminal activities.
“The government’s efforts to connect electricity will spur economic growth, enhance security, and create employment opportunities, especially for the youth.
Insecurity in this area has been worsened by poor lighting, and with the new power connections, criminal activities will be deterred,” he said.
Pepela said that the first phase of the project will benefit more than 1600 households in Webuye East Constituency.
The Member of Parliament for Kimilili Constituency, Didmus Barasa; Bungoma Woman Representative Catherine Wambilianga; Senator Consolata Wakwabubi; and several County and National government leaders graced the event.
By Catherine Nyongesa
