Residents of Kirima in Kirinyaga Central Constituency, Kirinyaga County, will from next month get connected to the national grid like most parts of the constituency that have been connected to electricity long ago.
Area MP Gachoki Gitari who toured the area in Kanyekiini ward together with Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) officials said the area residents will get connected to the national grid within one month in the project that will cost a total Sh 7.5 million.
Gitari said areas that have never been connected with electricity in the constituency will be considered in the next phase.
He toured the area accompanied by a truck carrying electric posts to be used in distributing power to over 200 households.
“We have responded to your request for an electricity connection. Every homestead will be connected with electricity but not everybody will get it now, we will do it in phases. This village has been in the dark for a long time yet our constituency is one of those considered to have a high connectivity percentage in the county,” Gitari said.
The Mp said his office will also embark on a programme to erect street lights to boost security and enhance businesses.
Kirima residents led by Loise Wanjiru welcomed the new development saying it will help address major challenges in the area including education.
“Our children have been struggling to study using traditional lamps and sometimes candles. All this has been happening because of the darkness brought about by lack of electricity which provides better lighting for a longer period. We are, however, elated that this will now be a thing of the past,” she said.
Gitari Njururi said the area MP has fulfilled his promise and it’s upon the resident to make better use of the power in income generating activities.
Newton Karimi from REREC urged the resident to cooperate with the staff during the process.
He said some people will be required to cut down their trees to allow fixing of transmission cables.
He told the residents to ensure they have their National Identity Cards and KRA Pin ready as they will be required during the registration.
“We want cooperation from all of you, we may require you to cut and remove your trees. This project cost over Sh7 million; do not let down your MP by refusing to cut down trees or demanding payment, Kenya power will need copies of your ID and KRA, please ensure they are ready,” Mr Karimi said.
By Mutai Kipngetich
