By A, KNA
It’s a sigh of relief for about 33,000 households in Nakuru County who are set to be connected with electricity after the government allocates Sh3.2 billion this financial year to expand electricity access in Nakuru County under the last mile connectivity programme targeting rural homes.
Speaking at St. Joseph comprehensive school in Elburgon ward, Energy Cabinet Secretary, Opiyo Wandayi, said the projects will be implemented by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) and Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) as part of the government’s plan to achieve universal power access as a core pillar of its development agenda.
“President William Ruto is the first President in the history of the Republic of Kenya to make electricity a right for every citizen, recognizing power as a public good that should be accessible to all,” said CS Wandayi.
“As a government we remain committed to ensuring every household, business, and public institution is connected to the national grid. This will open up investments in the rural areas and marginalized areas hence tapping on the huge potential within,” he added.
CS Wadayi emphasized the importance of this phase to over 33000 households in Nakuru county which will ensure that communities can fully benefit from the national grid, boosting economic growth and social development.
Wandayi warned those opposing development to give President William Ruto time to deliver on his development agenda and urged them to shun rhetoric and divisive politics.
“We must keep off politics on development matters. The President remains fully committed in ensuring no region remains behind on development. I want to urge those in opposition not to deceive Kenyans with mere slogans that mean nothing,” Wandayi noted.
The sentiment was echoed by Molo MP Kuria Kimani who lauded the President on equitable distribution of development irrespective of political division surrounding the nation.
MP Kuria noted that Molo constituency will benefit from 279 million last mile connectivity with 39 projects planned for next week across four wards.
“With the 279 million set aside for last mile connectivity here in Molo constituency, we will be able to reach 89 percent electricity connectivity here in Molo,” said MP Kuria.
The legislator urged residents to support the government to attract more projects in the constituency adding that already he has been able to drill over 16 boreholes and with access to power, more residents will get water as he will be able to pump water up to 15km from the source.
“Let us not be deceived to dance to the tune of opposition, we are seeing development right from infrastructure, water and now electricity. This shows this government has prioritized the agenda of Kenyans,” said MP Kuria.
Nakuru Governor, Susan Kihika, underscored the need for Nakuru residents to embrace renewable energy transition as a measure to mitigate the global warming effects noting that excessive tree cutting for wood and charcoal has impacted negatively on climate leading to low production hence food insecurity.
“I want to urge my people to embrace clean energy if at all we aim at addressing the effects of climate change. We have unpredictable weather patterns which interfere with production,” said Susan Kihika.
Governor Kihika commended the National Government for the substantial investment, noting that enhanced electricity access would spur economic growth, improve livelihoods and accelerate service delivery.
The governor also outlined key ongoing and planned development projects in Elburgon Ward, including the laying of cabro paving blocks in Elburgon Town, construction of a public transport stage on Kenya Railways land, and the near completion of the maternity wing at Elburgon Hospital.
Kihika noted that with Nakuru economy depending on agriculture 60 percent, power access will be vital in the dairy industry as well as boosting value addition of all farm products to cushion farmers from loses they incur for lack of storage facilities.