State rolls out Last-Mile Connectivity projects in Migori

By Geoffrey Makokha-KNA 

The Government will continue to implement the last mile connectivity projects and major electrification programs for social and economic benefits.

Speaking during the commissioning of the Sh25.6-million Nyamchodhre Market Electrification Project in Awendo Sub-County, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said Migori was allocated Sh200 million in the 2023/2024 financial year for electrification projects that are currently at different stages of completion.

The Nyamchodhre Market Electrification Project will provide electricity to 305 households, enhancing social and economic activities in the local community and Migori County in general.

Wandayi announced that the Awendo to Isebania transmission line, with Masaba sub-station, is awaiting commissioning, while other projects like Sondu to Ndhiwa and Narok to Bomet are in initial stages.

Wandayi emphasized the importance of implementing last mile connectivity projects and other major projects to ensure a consistent electricity supply in the Nyanza region.

On the other hand, the CS also noted that Kenya Power is implementing stop-gap projects to fast-track power stability all the way from Kericho, Bomet Counties and the South Nyanza region.

He explained that the mini grades at Ngodhe and Takawiri Islands in Homabay will help to solve power outages in the county.

On the issue of electricity cost, Wandayi said the government is focused on providing efficient and effective transmissions to reduce power losses to end users.

The Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) General Manager Beatrice Njuguna who accompanied Wandayi thanked the residents of Nyamchodhre for their support in implementing the electrification project.

Njuguna said that the electrification connectivity for the 305 households will improve the socio-economic activities of the local community and Migori County at large.

She disclosed that REREC will continue to ensure they extend electricity to constituencies to connect more Kenyans with electricity.

Njuguna also affirmed that currently, REREC is engaged on different projects like mini-grades, stand-alone solar projects and hybrid projects with the aim of connecting more Kenyans to the national grid.

She said REREC will continue to utilise the resources they have to ensure effective project implementation across the country.

Meanwhile, Awendo Member of Parliament (MP) Walter Owino noted that he will continue to champion for the welfare of his constituents to ensure that more residents are connected to electricity.

In the 2023/2024 financial year, Awendo Sub-County was allocated Sh56 million for electricity connectivity.