Residents of Katharane Sub-location in Mbeere South Constituency, Embu, have decried delayed connection to electricity, making the area lag behind in development.
They said the area has remained under darkness since independence which has taken a toll on every aspect of their lives.
They argued that the capacity of the area to engage in and attract many businesses, especially those that required electricity has been limited by lack of electricity connection.
The locals said they have on numerous occasions petitioned the Government through various offices including that of the Member of Parliament to connect them with electricity in vain.
Despite the Government pushing for last-mile connectivity in every nook and corner of the country, the locals remained in darkness wondering why they have over the years been left out in the programme.
“At night fall, darkness descends in the village and life grinds to a halt. Business people like me at our main trading center hurriedly close business for lack of business and security reasons,” said salonist Winfred Nyambura.
She said she loses a lot of business as the majority of women who would be her clients were forced to travel to a distant Makima Town to secure services that required electricity such as blow-dry.
Nyambura said they have tried to reach out to their public representatives and local authorities with no progress but empty promises.
It was the same script with hotelier Faith Njeru who said lack of electricity in her business has limited her expansion plan as she could not venture into other gainful productions that require electricity.
“I have so many business ideas that I wish to implement such as setting up a posho mill and fueling station, but that now remains just but a mere dream as a result of lack of electricity,” she said.
They said only a few traders and villagers with good incomes used solar power which was not sustainable while challenging their leaders to lobby connection in the area.
“Children are unable to do their studies at night well as they have to rely on unreliable sources such as candles and lanterns which has greatly hampered the level education in this area,” said trader Josphat Kinyua.
By Samuel Waititu
