State, development partners set aside Sh 1.6b for power projects to light up homes in Nyandarua
DIANA ROTICH-PCO
More than 13,000 households in Nyandarua County will soon be connected to the National Electricity Grid under a Sh1.6 billion Last-Mile Connectivity Programme which marks a major milestone in the government’s drive towards universal access to electricity country-wide.
The programme brings together several electrification initiatives funded by the National Government in partnership with international development agencies, making it one of the most ambitious rural electrification efforts in the country according to officials from the Ministry of Energy.
Speaking during an inspection tour of on-going works in Wanjohi Village, Kipipiri Ward, Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira flagged off electrification materials and oversaw the installation of transformers in the area to enable the new electrification project to kick off.
Wachira cautioned local leaders against politicising development projects stressing that government programmes are designed to serve all citizens equally.
“Development is not about politics it is about serving the people,” said Mr Wachira, adding that government services are available to all Kenyans regardless of race, tribe or political affiliation.
The Principal Secretary also urged residents to safeguard the newly installed infrastructure against vandalism, noting that reliable electricity is key to improving livelihoods and unlocking economic opportunities.
“These transformers represent a pathway to a better life and enhanced socio-economic activities. Protect them,” the PS said.
Kipipiri Constituency alone is set to benefit from projects worth Sh 292.6 million financed through multiple funding sources.
Kenya Power is implementing seven projects valued at Sh 54.5 million which will connect 412 households while the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) is undertaking another seven projects worth Sh 37.7 million to serve 267 households.
Development partners have also made significant contributions. For instance, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has committed Sh105.1 million for eight projects targeting 517 households while, the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union (EU) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are jointly funding 20 projects worth Sh 95.2 million.
The African Development Bank is expected to inject a further Sh107 million with implementation scheduled to begin later this year.
With materials already delivered, poles erected, conductors strung and transformers mounted, Kipipiri is poised to join the growing number of communities benefiting from the government’s accelerated push to achieve universal electricity access.