The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has reduced electricity transmission and system losses to 21.7 percent, down from 23.74 percent recorded in 2022, marking a significant improvement in efficiency within the country’s power sector.
Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira said the reduction is part of ongoing reforms aimed at minimising energy wastage across the national grid while lowering electricity costs for consumers.
Speaking in Maragua Constituency, Murang’a County, during the launch of the Kanderendu Rural Electrification Project, the PS said the government aims to further cut electricity losses to 16 percent in the coming years.
“When transmission losses are reduced, the cost of power also goes down and the bills paid by consumers consequently reduce,” Wachira said.
He noted that the government has connected over 37,000 households in Murang’a County to electricity in the last three years and is targeting at least 50,000 household connections by the end of the year, under the ongoing Last-mile Connectivity Programme.
According to the Ministry, about 13,097 households across Murang’a County are set to benefit from ongoing connectivity projects, with 1,045 households in Maragua Constituency expected to be connected to electricity under the current phase.
The PS, however, raised concern over continued theft and vandalism of power infrastructure, especially aluminium conductors and transformers, which contribute significantly to system losses.
“The theft of electricity infrastructure remains high and we urge members of the public to cooperate with authorities to curb vandalism so that communities can continue benefiting from reliable power supply,” he said.
The Kanderendu electrification project is expected to expand electricity access to homes, schools and businesses, opening up new economic opportunities for residents.
Maragua Member of Parliament, Mary Wamaua welcomed the initiative, noting that electricity connectivity in the constituency has now reached about 65 percent.
She noted that the government has invested over Sh125 million to connect 1545 homes across Maragua Constituency, a huge milestone towards 100 percent electricity connectivity
“We will continue pushing for Last Mile Connectivity because electricity improves business opportunities, enhances security and supports farming activities as well as industries such as welding and small factories,” Wamaua said.
She added that expanded electricity access would stimulate economic growth in rural areas and improve livelihoods by enabling residents to engage in productive ventures.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Kwanza government remains committed to continued investments in rural electrification to ensure universal electricity access, aimed at strengthening economic activities among communities across the country.
By Florence Kinyua
