As the government expands access to power through last mile connection to the national grid, time has come for Kigodo residents and three public utilities in Mwea Constituency to get electricity.
Almost 200 residents, two schools and a church were connected in an event witnessed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) Mr. Peter Mbugua and the Mwea Member of Parliament (MP) Mary Maingi.
Mbugua said as a State Corporation, they are doing whatever is possible to ensure that the entire country especially the rural areas get power connection.
He said the Sh14 million project, which was fully funded by the national government, would be extended in the next financial year to reach more customers.
“Our mandate as REREC is to electrify the country especially in rural areas. This project is fully funded by the government and will be extended in the next financial year to cater for more customers,” the CEO said.
He thanked the area leadership for their cooperation that led to the success of the project. However, he noted that Mwea Sub-County has the lowest connection in Kirinyaga County and with availability of funds, they would connect more people.
“I want to thank the area MP for the coordination and cooperation that has seen the success of this project. We will continue to connect more people as we get more funding. Mwea has the lowest connection compared to other sub counties in Kirinyaga,” Mbugua noted.
Maingi said the commissioning of the project was a big boost to her constituents especially in business and education sectors. She disclosed that Mwea connectivity currently stands at 58 percent and she would push hard targeting 90 percent.
“We are here with REREC to commission the project that will see an increase in working hours in businesses and long study periods in our schools. Mwea has 58 percent connectivity and I will push to 90 percent. Similar projects will be rolled out in Tebere ward targeting over 100 households,” the MP said.
She also said the lighting would reduce cases of cattle theft and improve quality of life as most households will switch from traditional use of firewood to electricity.
Area chief Kirima location Naftali Gicimu called upon the residents to protect the electrification facilities from vandalism as they are the beneficiaries.
Esther Chomba, a beneficiary, expressed gratitude to the leadership and the government for the project saying more investors, mostly those who relied on power, would come to Mwea.
“We are happy with the leadership. We have waited for long to get electricity and now with 24-hour security more investors will come here,” she said.
By Mutai Kipngetich
