Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi on Friday commissioned several Last Mile Electricity Connectivity projects in Kitui Rural Constituency, in Kitui County.
While speaking at Musosya village in Kisasi Sub County, Kitui Rural constituency, when he unveiled the Musosya Last Mile Electricity Connectivity project, the CS noted that the government has allocated Sh2.5 billion to connect over 20,000 households to electricity across all eight constituencies in Kitui county.
Wandayi further stated that the Kitui Rural constituency project had been allocated Sh430 million out of the Sh2.5 billion facilitating the projects across the county.
“At least 40 Last Mile Electricity Connectivity projects across the Kitui Rural constituency are set to benefit from the Sh430 million during this financial year,” the CS said.
He also noted that the programme targets households that have remained off-grid for years, adding that access to electricity would spur economic activities, improve security through enhanced public lighting and raise the overall quality of life for the beneficiaries.
He further underscored that the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity programme funded by the national government is a reflection of the government’s commitment to inclusive and equitable development for all its citizens.
Member of Parliament for Kitui Rural Constituency David Mwalika Mboni, who had accompanied the Energy Cabinet Secretary, appreciated the government for the allocation of the funds, noting that his constituency received the lion’s share amongst the eight constituencies across the vast Kitui county.
The MP promised that his office would continue to work closely with the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to ensure smooth implementation of the 40 earmarked Last Mile Electricity Connectivity projects across his constituency.
He further disclosed that the national government would construct a modern market at a cost of Sh7 million at Kisasi trading centre to enhance trade and provide a better working environment for local traders.
On education infrastructure, the MP said that he has plans to put up floor tiles for all classrooms in local primary schools to improve hygiene and create a more conducive learning environment for pupils.
Also accompanying the Energy Cabinet Secretary was Kitui County Commissioner Erastus Mbui, among other leaders.
While speaking during the occasion, Mbui lamented that 46 per cent of learners in the Kitui rural constituency had not yet reported to their respective schools.
He urged parents with grade 10 learners who have not reported to their respective senior secondary schools to take them to school to report immediately as per the President’s directive, even if they lacked school fees or other required learning equipment.
The County Commissioner, who is also the chairman of the County Security Committee directed chiefs and their assistants in the area to help in tracing the learners who haven’t reported and take them to schools.
He further directed that learners without proper uniforms should attend school using their previous Grade 9 uniforms, emphasising that no child should be denied access to education due to financial constraints.
“Lack of school fees or uniforms should not stop any learner from reporting to school,” said Mbui, adding that arrangements would be made to address the challenges facing affected families.
The County Commissioner also urged residents to maintain peace and also protect government projects, noting that stability and cooperation were critical for sustained development.
By Denson Mututo and Reachel Mutile
