Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Opiyo Wandayi has announced that the government will continue implementing last-mile connectivity projects and major electrification programmes for social and economic benefits.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 25.6 million Nyamchodhre Market Electrification Project in Awendo Sub County, Wandayi said that Migori was allocated 200 million in the 2023/2024 electrification projects that are currently at different stages of completion.
The Nyamchodhre Market Electrification Project in Awendo Sub County will provide electricity to 305 households, enhancing social and economic activities in the local community and Migori County.
Wandayi announced that the Awendo to Isebania Transmission Line, with Masaba substation, is awaiting commissioning, while other projects like Sondu to Ndhiwa and Narok to Bomet are in initial stages.
Wandayi emphasized the importance of implementing last-mile connectivity projects and other major projects to ensure a consistent electricity supply in the Nyanza region. On the other hand, the CS also noted that Kenya Power was implementing stop-gap projects to fast-track power stability all the way from Kericho, Bomet Counties, and the South Nyanza region.
He explained that the mini-grades at Ngodhe and Takawiri islands in Homabay will help to solve power outages in the county. Meanwhile, on the issue of electricity cost, Wandayi said that the government is focused on providing efficient and effective transmissions to reduce power losses to end users.
The Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) General Manager, Beatrice Njuguna, who accompanied CS Wandayi, thanked the residents of Nyamchodhre for their support in implementing the electrification project.
Njuguna said that the electrification connectivity for the 305 households will improve the social and economic activities of the local community and Migori County at large.
She disclosed that REREC will continue to ensure they extend electricity to constituencies to connect more Kenyans with electricity.
Njuguna also affirmed that currently, REREC was engaged on different projects like mini-grades, stand-alone solar projects, and hybrid projects with the aim of connecting more Kenyans to the national grid.
She said that REREC will continue to utilise the resources they have to ensure effective project implementation across the country.
Meanwhile, Awendo Member of Parliament (MP) Walter Owino noted that he will continue to champion for the welfare of his constituents to ensure that more residents are connected to electricity.
In the 2023/2024 Financial Year, Awendo Sub County was allocated Sh56 million for electricity connectivity.
By Geoffrey Makokha