The government spent more than Sh1.7 billion on rural electrification in Siaya county during the last financial year.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary (CS) Opiyo Wandayi has said more money has been allocated for more electrification projects in the county and other parts of the country.
Speaking in Ugenya and Ugunja constituencies, where he launched several rural electrification projects, Wandayi said the government was committed to ensuring that all corners of the republic benefit from rural electrification initiatives and called on the public to appreciate government efforts.
Flanked by Ugenya member of parliament David Ochieng and his Bondo counterpart, Gedion Ochanda, the CS said more than 15,000 households are scheduled to benefit from the ongoing rural electrification projects.
Speaking at Nyalweny Catholic church in West Ugenya, he said that 2,500 households in Ugenya will be connected to electricity during the current phase.
Wandayi urged the local residents to support president Dr. William Ruto’s government, adding that the head of state was committed to ensuring that the country’s resources are shared equitably with all regions.
Speaking earlier at Nyamasare village in Ugunja, the CS expressed disappointment with the rising cases of vandalism targeting electricity infrastructure and urged Kenyans to join the war against vandals.
“It pains me that while the government is doing its best to put up infrastructure using a lot of money, those targeted to benefit do not do so because of vandalism,” he said.
Wandayi said anybody found engaging in vandalism of critical infrastructure must be dealt with ruthlessly in accordance with the law and urged members of the public to help identify and arrest such people.
On their part, Ochieng and Ochanda hailed the president for embracing the community, urging the local residents to reciprocate and ensure that Ruto serves for two full terms.
Residents who benefited from the rural electrification programme, among them William Onyango Obonyo and Josephine Atieno described electrification of their homes as a dream come true.
Among the projects the CS launched were the electrification of Nyamasare, Imbaya, Got Osimbo, Ombonya and Ulhowe in Ugunja constituency and Masat Nyalweny, Nyamsenda, Bar Ndege and Doho primary schools in Ugenya constituency.
The projects will be undertaken by the Rural Electrification and renewable energy corporation (REREC) and Kenya Power.
By Philip Onyango
