The national government has allocated Sh440 million to connect 7,329 households to electricity across Kirinyaga County as part of its push towards 100 per cent electricity connectivity.
Speaking at Kianwe Primary School in Kirinyaga West, Ndia Constituency, Principal Secretary for Energy Alex Wachira said the electrification programme is set to be launched within the next three weeks.
Wachira noted that the project targets households that have remained without power for years, saying access to electricity is key ingredient for economic growth, improved education, better healthcare, and job creation, especially in rural areas.
“The government is fully committed to achieving 100 per cent electricity connectivity because power access transforms lives, boosts small businesses, and attracts investment at the grassroots,” he said.
The Energy PS added that once the project begins, the ministry will roll out more citizen engagement forums to ensure residents are fully informed and involved in the implementation process.
However, Wachira raised concern over the rising cases of vandalism of electricity infrastructure, revealing that the country is currently losing an average of 40 transformers every month, leading to power outages, delayed connections, and huge financial losses.
He called on members of the public to protect transformers and other power equipment, emphasizing that once installed, the facilities belong to the community and not the government.
“Electricity infrastructure is a shared public investment. When it is vandalised, the biggest losers are the citizens,” Wachira warned.
He urged residents to own government projects and report any suspicious activities, saying public cooperation is crucial to the success and sustainability of development initiatives.
By David Wandeto
