President William Ruto has reassured Kenyans of his government’s commitment towards ensuring all Kenyan homes have electricity.
Speaking Thursday at Kangema in Murang’a County during the Presidential Developmental Tour of Mt. Kenya region, the President stated that the government has set aside more than Sh1 billion to connect over 16,000 residents to the power grid.
“Electricity is not only reserved for the rich; we want all Kenyans to have access to electricity,” he stressed.
The President who was accompanied by the Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department for Energy, Kamau Wachira among other leaders from the region pledged to work with local leaders led by Kangema Member of Parliament Peter Kihungi to determine priority areas for the connectivity.
“I have talked to Kihungi (Kangema MP) and he will let me know where the residents are still in darkness,” Ruto said.
The President further promised to build Gakira Market in Kangema as well as 16 other markets across Murang’a County so that farmers can conveniently sell their farm produce in a conducive environment.
“We want farmers to have designated places where they can sell their farm produce to avoid incurring post-harvest losses,” he said.
“The markets will have water and electricity as well as cold rooms where farmers can store their produce and reduce losses,” he added
Meanwhile, the President called upon more Kenyans to register for Taifa Care under the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying it is meant to reduce ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses for Kenyans seeking treatment.
“The defunct NHIF used to serve only those who are in formal employment, leaving out those who are not,” he stated.
He added that under Taifa Care, all Kenyans will benefit from medical insurance and they will only be required to pay according to their ability.
“All Kenyans should register. Everyone will pay according to their ability. Some will pay Sh. 1,000; others will pay Sh. 500; others, Sh. 300 or 200 or 100; and the government will pay for the indigents who cannot afford to pay for themselves,” he said.
As part of his tour, the President also visited infrastructure developmental programs in Maragua Constituency, Murang’a.
By Purity Mugo
