The Government is seeking to mobilise Sh1.7 trillion to expand electricity infrastructure and achieve universal access to power across the country, Principal Secretary for Energy Alex Wachira has said.
Wachira said the investment plan followed a Cabinet resolution led by President William Ruto to accelerate electricity connectivity, address infrastructure gaps and ensure more households and institutions are connected to the national grid.
Speaking at a church fundraising event at Ibiriga PCEA Church in Magumoni Ward, Chuka Igambang’ombe Constituency, on Sunday, Wachira said the government had invested Sh1 billion in electricity infrastructure in Tharaka-Nithi County, contributing to increased access to power.
He said approximately 32,000 households in Igambang’ombe Constituency had been connected to electricity over the past four years, while electricity coverage in Chuka and Maara constituencies had risen to between 65 and 70 per cent, respectively.
Wachira said the government was committed to extending electricity to the remaining unconnected areas, noting that reliable power was essential for economic growth, improved livelihoods and access to social services.
Tharaka-Nithi is also set to benefit from a Sh1.6 billion electricity substation installation at Kathwana, which is expected to improve power reliability and reduce frequent outages in the county.
The PS said the substation would strengthen the county’s electricity infrastructure and accommodate rising demand as more households and businesses connect to the national grid.
Igambang’ombe MP Patrick Munene urged the Energy PS to prioritise areas of the constituency that were yet to be connected, saying electricity was critical to economic development and improved service delivery.
Munene also called on residents to support President Ruto’s administration, citing ongoing government development projects aimed at improving infrastructure and services.
Wachira also highlighted the Affordable Housing Programme, saying the country faced a shortage of decent and affordable homes.
He said addressing the housing deficit was necessary to improve living conditions and ease pressure on agricultural land, which could threaten food security if left unchecked.
The PS further announced plans to construct a dual carriageway linking Makutano, Embu, Meru and Isiolo, saying the road would improve connectivity and support economic activities along the route.
Meanwhile, Principal Secretary for Blue Economy and Fisheries Betsy Njagi said the government was expanding opportunities in the fisheries sector and equipping young people with skills to improve their employment prospects.
Njagi said about 1,000 fish farmers in Tharaka-Nithi had benefited from government support, adding that fish farming offered residents an opportunity to diversify their income sources.
She said a centre of excellence had been established at Mutonga to equip farmers with modern fish farming skills and improved production methods.
Njagi also announced plans to organise a job fair in the county to connect young people with employment opportunities in the maritime sector, including jobs aboard cruiseships and other opportunities abroad.
She urged young people to pursue technical and vocational training through technical and vocational education and training institutions to improve their chances of securing jobs in the sector.
By Dickson Mwiti and Christine Ngitori
