Homa Bay County signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Cooperation (REREC) to light up rural areas and islands in the region.
Electrification has been one of the key challenges in Homa Bay particularly within the rural areas.
However, this move will pave the way for the implementation of rural electrification and renewable energy projects in the county that will ensure access to electricity by all residents even in remote areas.
Speaking to the press in her office, Governor Gladys Wanga said electrification has been part of the important pledges in her manifesto which her administration was working towards actualization.
In this collaboration, both the national and county governments will contribute equal amounts to maximize reach to the people.
“Beginning this financial year, Homa Bay County will be providing Sh40 million which will be matched by REREC,” said Wanga.
She commended REREC for its work in Takawiri and other islands which are not connected to the main grid on projects that she said will soon be unveiled.
The Governor noted that they had agreed on maximising the use of renewable energy in their framework of collaboration.
“We have set aside land for that matter and the process of documentation is on course for purposes of setting up an energy centre,” she said.
The Chief Executive Officer, REREC, Mr. Peter Mbugua welcome the partnership noting that they will ensure connectivity is accelerated in the county.
“We have just signed a collaborative agreement and what remains now is to fund it and agree on which projects to undertake to increase connectivity, especially key facilities like hospitals and dispensaries.
By Violet Atieno and Sitna Omar
