The government has rolled out a series of multi-billion-shilling electricity projects designed to provide stable and reliable power to industries and households across Kilifi County.
The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering economic growth, improving living standards, and achieving universal electricity access by 2030.
On Wednesday, President Ruto launched a Sh2 billion Last Mile Connectivity project, which he said seeks to connect over 20,000 households in various locations within Kilifi County to the national grid.
The President also commissioned the Sh273 million Sabaki Power Substation, a critical infrastructure expected to enhance power reliability for residents and businesses alike, especially in the hospitality industry.
Addressing a crowd of local leaders, residents and stakeholders, President Ruto emphasized the significance of the projects in spurring development and addressing long-standing power challenges in the county.
“In this Last Mile Connectivity Project, we have allocated the people of Kilifi Sh2 billion to ensure that 20,000 households in various places are connected to the national grid,” he announced.
“I have come to commission the substation because there were complaints that even those who have electricity experience unreliability. With this new substation, that problem will be sorted out,” he said.
The President highlighted the government’s strategic efforts to improve electricity supply, noting that reliable power is essential for both domestic use and industrial growth.
“Apart from this substation, we are also constructing a transmission line from Mariakani,” he added.
“We are also building a substation at Rabai, another at Bomani, and we are laying a transmission line through Kilifi to Weru and eventually here in Malindi,” he said.
President Ruto expressed optimism that these initiatives would catalyse economic transformation in Kilifi County by attracting investments and creating job opportunities, particularly for the youth.
“This will ensure that electricity reaches here to be used by households, companies, hotels, and industrial facilities doing business here. This aims to transform Kilifi and will also help the youth in Kilifi to get employment opportunities,” he stated.
Local leaders, led by Governor Gideon Mung’aro, lauded the government for the projects, adding that it would bolster the county’s prospects in investments, with the governor intimating that Kilifi County is growing fast industrially as it has become the most sought-after investment destination.
Other leaders who spoke were Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Cabinet Secretaries Salim Mvurya, Hassan Ali Joho and Alfred Mutua, Kilifi County Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu and Malindi Member of Parliament Amina Laura Mnyazi.
Speaking to journalists after the launch and commissioning, the Kenya Power and Lighting General Manager in charge of Infrastructural Development, Eng. Kennedy Owino, said the Sabaki substation was one of the company’s flagship projects.
“As you know, Malindi is a very key tourist destination, and the essence of having this substation will support the hospitality industry that is picking up very well here in Malindi,” he added.
He said PowerGen Technologies has been instrumental in strengthening the coastal region’s power infrastructure, having successfully completed substations in Kaloleni, Mtondia and Kokotoni in Kilifi, and Wundanyi in Taita Taveta County.
Eng. Owino said KPLC would also install a solar mini-grid station on Kirepwe Island to ensure residents have access to reliable power.
By Emmanuel Masha and Baraka Mweni
