Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) and the Kericho County Government have signed a memorandum of understanding to support the expansion of electricity infrastructure in all six sub-counties within Kericho County at a cost of Sh 60 million.
Under this agreement, the County Government of Kericho and REREC will each contribute Sh 30 million to help promote the strengthening of electricity infrastructure in Kericho County.
Speaking after the signing of the agreement at the county government’s headquarters, REREC Chief Executive Officer Dr Rose Mkalama said the partnership marked the start of a transformative journey to accelerate socio-economic development.
“There is a deliberate effort by the national government to ensure that rural areas are electrified. The reason why this is critical is that social economic development starts from the smallest unit, and that is the community, and we are very keen as REREC to reach everyone in the country.” said Dr. Mkalama
She said there were still many areas in the country that had no access to electricity assuring that the government was partnering with other people of goodwill to ensure that more Kenyans are reached.
“The matching fund facility matches a shilling for a shilling. So, when the county gives us Sh 30 million, REREC matches Sh 30 million, subject to five million per constituency. So, we identify projects together with the county governments and we implement them together to ensure that the money is properly applied for the purpose for which it was meant, which is to connect as many citizens as possible,” said Dr. Mkalama
Dr. Mkalama added that the matching program was open to the NG-CDF through the Members of Parliament where they also contribute a shilling and REREC contributes a shilling adding that over the years the corporation has been able to raise close to Sh. 3.5 billion from the program.
“A total of 17 counties have now collaborated with us under the matching fund facility and we hope that we can reach all the 47 counties. So far, we have done 75 constituencies,” said Dr. Mkalama
She assured that a technical team would be formed together with the county government to identify projects properly and that the projects would be completed within one financial year.
Meanwhile, Kericho Governor Dr. Eric Mutai said Kipkelion West and Soin Sigowet Sub counties would be the first Sub-counties to benefit from the electrification project saying there were many Kenyans in the two Sub-counties with no electricity connection, adding that the other Sub-counties would also benefit from the project.
“Bureti, Belgut, Ainamoi and Kipkelion East Sub-Counties have electricity almost at 70 percent cumulatively. However, Kipkelion West and Soin Sigowet Sub counties are still struggling and have not reached 60 percent in terms of electricity connectivity,” said Dr. Mutai.
The governor also said markets within the Sub-counties would benefit from the Green Renewable Energy project to enable the traders to carry out their businesses in a well-lit environment.
Water CECM Rosemary Rop, County Attorney Gideon Mutai, County Secretary, Kipyegon Kirui, and Chief Officer Kiplangat Mitei alongside senior REREC officials were at hand to witness the historic event.
By Kibe Mburu
