The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, has commissioned rural electrification projects worth Sh620 million in Nyamira County.
Wandayi pointed out that the rural electrification projects in Nyamira County had lagged behind and most households, businesses and shopping centres in the rural areas of the County were not connected with electricity; the reason he prioritised its commissioning.
“The large population of residents in Nyamira County reside in the rural setting, and they have not managed to enjoy the benefits of rural electrification, he noted.
“As a Ministry, we have strategised and laid down mechanisms to supply power to all remote parts of this country.
We shall ensure to fulfil this mandate without favouring particular areas or people or discriminating against any to ensure that the lives of all Kenyans, especially those living in the rural areas, are improved.” The CS affirmed.
He confirmed that his Ministry has allocated a budget of Sh620 million to Nyamira County alone to ensure that homes, shopping centres, schools, tea buying centres and other business premises, especially in the rural area, are connected with electricity courtesy of the last mile connectivity project implemented by Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Cooperation (REREC).
“We promise to support farmers, students, and traders in the rural areas in our country because they greatly contribute to the development of our country and the stability of our country’s Gross Domestic Product GDP). The public space must be adequately lit to provide a safe and conducive operating environment for everyone in our country,” he said.
Legislators Joash Nyamoko (Nyamira North), Stephen Mogaka (West Mugirango) and Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba) promised to closely collaborate with the Ministry to ensure that the electricity connectivity project is fully complete, functional and serves its purpose.
“Our constituencies will not be the same again because the challenge of poor lighting, which hinders development and basic operations in our rural homes, will be a thing of the past, and our people will enjoy working and living in well-lit homes, and even our students will have an opportunity to study from sufficiently lit classes or homes, and their performance will definitely improve in schools.” The MPs noted.
Other leaders included the Board Chairman of Geothermal Development Company, Walter Nyambati; Nyamira County Senator, Okong’o Omogeni; Nominated MP Irene Mayaka; County Assembly legislators; and the national government security team, the County Commissioner Erastus Mbui.
By Deborah Bochere
