CS Opiyo Wandayi flags off materials for electricity connection in Tharaka Nithi county. Energy PS Alex Wachira and REREC CEO Rose Mkalama flanked him/HANDOUT.
The Kenya Kwanza government has connected over one million households to electricity since taking office in 2022.
Speaking at Kirundi Village in Tharaka Constituency, Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira, accompanied by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, made the revelations.
“We have connected 1,001,050 households to power and the
government is on course to achieve 100% electricity connectivity by 2030,”
Wachira said.
CS Wandayi, who flagged off electrification materials for 408 households under the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), acknowledged that Tharaka Nithi County still has low electricity coverage.
He, however, assured residents that efforts were underway to
improve the numbers.
The project, being implemented in the backyard of Deputy
President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, has brought hope to a village that has
remained in darkness for years.
While launching the electrification materials, CS Wandayi emphasised the need for Tharaka Nithi residents to feel equal to the rest of the country, following what he termed “years of neglect.”
“The President loves you so much. He sent me greetings and
asked me to thank you for giving him a calm deputy who is dedicated to his
work,” said Wandayi.
He said that during the just-concluded financial year, the government allocated Shs. 1.042billion to Tharaka Nithi County for electricity, with which 8,842 customers are to be connected to the national grid.
He stated that Tharaka Constituency has a sum of Sh681 million
to connect 6,241 customers.
Wandayi said electricity is a critical enabler without which
the desired accelerated national economic growth would be a mirage.
He said the government was committed to onboarding as many
Kenyans as possible to the grid.
He said that with a well-distributed power connectivity
countywide, the worrisome rate of youth unemployment could be tamed.
"With reliable, efficient, and affordable power, the youth can engage in productive activities and hence reduce unemployment," he said.
PS Wachira reiterated that the Kenya Kwanza administration
had connected over one million households to electricity and revealed that
3,000 families in Tharaka Nithi County would benefit from electricity in the
current financial year.
He added that the Kirundi project would be completed within
three months.
Wachira urged residents to continue supporting the government, noting that President William Ruto had demonstrated confidence in the county by appointing Betsy Muthoni, Principal Secretary for the Blue Economy, from the area.
Also present at the event were area MP George Muraguri and
REREC CEO Dr. Rose Mkalama.
The team later proceeded to Kaliwa Village in Mwingi North Constituency for another electrification flag-off, where 350 more residents are set to benefit.
