Energy Cabinet Secretary (CS), Opiyo Wandayi has led a groundbreaking ceremony for a sh530 million KPLC substation in Malaba, Teso North, so as to address the issue of power outages and also boost electricity access.
The proposed substation is going to be located at Kajei along the Bungoma-Malaba Highway, in Malaba Central ward so that it can stabilise the supply of electricity to the residents of Teso North, Teso South and Nambale constituencies, thus solving the long-standing predicament of frequent power blackouts, especially during rainy seasons.
Speaking at the Achiya Echakara National Youth Service training institute, Teso North, CS Wandayi noted that he has commissioned the construction of the first-ever Kenya Power substation, which will serve three constituencies.
He reiterated that the project is fully funded by the National Government and it is expected to be completed during the 2025/26 financial year.
“This power project is a promise delivered to the people of Busia county. We are committed as a Ministry to improve livelihoods by ensuring that every household is connected to a stable power supply. It’s not only going to power your homes but also provide an enabling environment for business to thrive,” said CS Wandayi.
In light of these sentiments, Busia County Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma reiterated his commitment to working closely with CS Wandayi to boost renewable energy efforts in Busia.
He also encouraged the Cabinet Secretary to expedite the Rural Electrification projects under the monitoring fund, which is working with the County Government of Busia to guarantee that villages are connected to the national grid.
“I am committed to working with the CS so that we can promote renewable energy initiatives here in Busia. I also urged the CS Wandayi to expedite the implementation of Rural Electrification so that our village can have access to electricity within the shortest time possible,” stated Otuoma.
The MP for Teso North, Oku Kaunya, lauded this initiative, noting that it is going to transform the lives of his constituents by providing security through the street lights program.
“I lobbied for this power project and I’m glad that it has finally materialised. The commissioning of this project as well as that of Kocholia KMTC and Chamasiri TVC street lighting is not only going to power our markets and institutions but also provide the much-needed security,” noted Kaunya.
Residents of Teso North have welcomed this power project, citing its benefits such as improved business conditions, safer streets and reliable electricity to households, markets and institutions.
“This initiative is a game-changer because it is going to significantly transform our lives. The KPLC substation commissioned in Malaba is going to provide stable power connectivity, thus ensuring that we can continue with our business activities till late night,” said Susan Akiteng, a trader from Malaba town.
This initiative is in tandem with the government’s Last Mile Connectivity Programme, which is implemented by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy seeking to have all Kenyans fully connected to the grid.
By Owen Mutai and Centrine Ateng’e
