Residents of Uasin Gishu County who have lived without electricity for years now have a reason to smile after the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, presided over the launch and commissioning of rural electrification projects in Turbo and Soy Constituencies.
The event held today and hosted by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), North Rift Regional Office, brought renewed hope to hundreds of households and businesses.
Speaking at the event, the CS reaffirmed the government’s commitment, to ensuring universal electricity access, particularly in rural areas, as a driver of economic growth and improved livelihoods.
Wandayi emphasized the government’s unwavering pledge to ensuring equitable access to electricity across the country, particularly in marginalized rural areas.
He lauded the partnership between the National and County governments, as well as the critical role played by local leaders in identifying and prioritizing community needs.
“Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, together with its agencies, continues to collaborate with elected leaders across the country, to ensure the equitable delivery of flagship programs aimed at achieving universal energy access,” said Wandayi.
In Turbo Constituency, the CS officiated a flag-off ceremony at Lamaiywet ECD in Lower Bukwo, where a symbolic pole erection and tree planting exercise were conducted to mark the beginning of the project. Later, he led a ceremonial switching-on of lights at Mareba ECD in the Ngomwo area, where 77 customers are set to be connected to the national grid.
In the neighboring Soy Constituency, Wandayi flagged- off electrification projects in Kongasis Arap Tumbo, Kipsigak and Kaptembengwet villages. The initiative is expected to benefit over 1,000 households and businesses, significantly improving access to power in the region.
The Uasin Gishu County Governor, Jonathan Bii Chelilim, reaffirmed the county’s commitment to expanding electricity access through strategic collaboration with REREC.
“Through our strategic collaboration with REREC, we have rolled out an extensive electrification program across the County. Ongoing works are currently underway in our sub-counties,” said Bii.
He noted that the initiative, implemented under REREC’s matching fund program, is helping to address the long-standing electricity connectivity gap in rural areas.
In addition, Bii revealed that the County is targeting to raise electricity connectivity from the current 65 percent to 95 percent in the coming years, in a move aimed at catalyzing rural development, improving public service delivery and stimulating economic growth.
Uasin Gishu Senator, Jackson Mandago, emphasized the far-reaching impact of power connectivity on education, agribusiness and entrepreneurship in rural communities.
“Rural electrification is a key element in leveling opportunities towards education, value addition to farm produce and entrepreneurship,” said the Senator. “By lighting-/up our rural areas, we are not just powering homes, but opening doors for learning, innovation and economic growth.”
Present during the launch were Members of Parliament (MP), Janet Sitienei (Turbo), David Kiplagat (Soy), Julius Rutto (Kesses), REREC officials and other local leaders.
The electrification initiative in various parts of Uasin Gishu Sub-counties forms part of a broader national strategy by the REREC to extend electricity access to rural and peri-urban areas.
This effort aligns with the government’s goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2030.
The enhanced energy infrastructure is expected to boost local economies, reduce dependence on traditional energy sources and significantly improve the quality of life for thousands of residents.
By Fredrick Maritim
