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 said the allocation was part of the government’s push to connect long-marginalised areas to the national grid to enhance security and spark industrial growth.
Wandayi noted that most of the targeted areas, including Miruka village, have been in darkness since independence.
Through the electrification programme, Nyakach Sub-County, he said, has been allocated more than Sh 200 million to ensure that more villages and homes are connected.
He added that although the allocations were significant, they were still insufficient to reach all households.
His Ministry, he said, was engaging the National Treasury for additional resources to fast-track the rollout.
“My pride is that even though this region has waited for too long, we now have a clear roadmap to lighting up all homes. The President is committed to lighting more villages, and it is possible to reach every home,” he said.
The CS said President William Ruto had prioritised extending electricity to historically disadvantaged regions, including parts of Nyanza, arguing that previous administrations had not invested adequately in the area.
“Kenya has had five administrations, but President Ruto is the only one who has shown genuine interest in the development of the Nyanza region. That is why he has put in place clear plans and programmes to unlock its development potential,” he said.
The CS urged residents to rally behind the government’s development agenda, saying unity would accelerate ongoing projects.
The CS rooted for President William Ruto’s re-election, saying he deserved a second term to complete his development plans.
He added that he was firmly behind the broad-based government, cautioning the Luo community against being hoodwinked into working with the opposition.
“Raila Odinga has been our undisputed leader for many years but unfortunately we lost him. But before he died, he showed us the direction, which is the broad-based government. Therefore, we will continue to support President Ruto beyond 2027 to ensure that this region is not left behind,” he said.
“Raila was always right. Therefore, we must remain united under the broad-based government. Our strength lies in our unity,” he said.
The last-mile programme seeks to deepen access to electricity across rural and peri-urban areas, with the government targeting thousands of new household connections in Kisumu County before the end of the financial year.
By Chris Mahandara
