The government has intensified efforts to expand electricity access in Kajiado County through a Sh1.6 billion rural electrification programme that will connect approximately 5,600 households to the national grid.
Speaking in Kajiado Central after launching the Last Mile Electrification projects in Tikoishi and Olomaiyana villages, Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira said 112 households, schools, a dispensary and a church in the two villages would be connected to the national grid at a cost of Sh427 million.
Wachira said the government was committed to expanding electricity connectivity as a catalyst for socio-economic development and improved service delivery, particularly in rural areas.
“Electricity is a key enabler of development. Through these projects, we are improving access to power for homes, schools, health facilities and businesses, which will enhance livelihoods and unlock economic opportunities for our people,” said Wachira.
The Principal Secretary urged residents to take advantage of electricity connectivity by investing in income-generating activities, improving learning outcomes and supporting economic transformation within their communities.
He also emphasized the importance of educating children, urging residents to abandon harmful cultural practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and embrace education as a foundation for a more prosperous and inclusive society.
Earlier, Wachira held a consultative breakfast meeting with Kajiado Central Constituency business leaders, where discussions focused on creating a more conducive and competitive business environment for entrepreneurs.
Wachira said the government would continue expanding electricity connectivity and street lighting across trading centres to support businesses and stimulate economic growth.
“Reliable electricity and well-lit trading centres will extend business operating hours, enhance security, attract investment and create more opportunities for traders,” he said.
Kajiado Central MP Memusi Kanchory welcomed the electrification programme, saying reliable electricity was essential in driving economic growth, improving education and healthcare services, enhancing security and creating employment opportunities.
“Electricity drives economic growth, education, healthcare, security and jobs. It enables businesses to grow, improves service delivery and creates opportunities for improving livelihoods,” said Kanchory.
The legislator said increased electricity access would empower residents to establish enterprises, improve household incomes and support development across the constituency.
Residents welcomed the projects, saying electricity access would address challenges they have faced for years and improve access to essential services.
Magdalene Salash, a resident of Olomaiyana village, said the lack of electricity at the local dispensary had affected healthcare services, particularly the storage of vaccines and other temperature-sensitive medicines.
“For many years, our local dispensary has operated without electricity, making it difficult to store vaccines and other essential medicines. The connection will greatly improve healthcare services in our area,” she said.
Salash added that electricity would enable children to study comfortably in the evening, improve security and create new opportunities for local businesses.
Another resident, Joseph Kishoyian, said the electrification programme would reduce dependence on kerosene lamps, lower energy costs and stimulate economic activities through the establishment and expansion of small enterprises.
“Access to electricity will enable us to start and expand small businesses such as shops, welding workshops and other enterprises that depend on reliable power. This will create jobs and improve our lives,” he said.
By Rop Janet
