Wajir County is set to benefit from increased electricity connectivity and power infrastructure projects worth Sh7.7 billion under the national government’s rural electrification programme, Energy Cabinet Secretary James Opiyo Wandayi has said.
Speaking on Monday during the launch of the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) Last Mile Connectivity Programme (LMCP) at Bula Kisumu village in Wajir East Constituency, Wandayi said the government was committed to expanding electricity access in the county and ending years of unreliable power supply.
The CS, said the projects formed part of the government’s broader plan to improve electricity access and spur economic growth in northern Kenya.
“Wajir County has for many years remained in darkness, but that is the situation the government has decided to change,” said Wandayi.
He noted that the allocation would support implementation of Last Mile Connectivity projects, other electricity expansion initiatives, and completion of ongoing power projects financed through development partners, including the French Development Agency.
Wandayi assured residents that the government would continue investing in electricity infrastructure in the county, saying improved power connectivity would transform livelihoods and support economic development.
He further said he would continue working closely with local leaders to ensure the projects are completed successfully.
The CS also appealed for calm and patience among Kenyans over the rising fuel prices, describing the situation as a global challenge linked to international geopolitical tensions.
“We understand the concerns wananchi have regarding fuel prices, and the government is actively addressing the matter,” he said.
Wandayi disclosed that the government had convened a meeting with public transport sector leaders to discuss concerns arising from the increase in fuel costs and explore possible interventions.
Wajir Governor, Ahmed Abdullahi, lauded the Ministry of Energy, REREC and KPLC for stabilizing electricity supply in Wajir town following years of persistent blackouts.
“There was a time residents threatened to burn down the KPLC station because of constant outages, but we are now past that stage,” said the governor.
Ahmed noted that Wajir was among the fastest-growing towns in the country and called for increased power supply and connection of the county to the national grid to support industrialization and economic growth.
by Hamdi Buthul
