Wandayi launches rural electrification, last mile connectivity projects in Wajir

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, during the   launch of  the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy programme as well as the Last Mile Connectivity Programme at Kisumu Village in Wajir East Sub-County./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has launched the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy programme as well as the Last Mile Connectivity Programme at Kisumu Village in Wajir East sub-county.

The launch is aimed at improving electricity access and addressing persistent power outages in the region.

The launch formed part of the CS’s development tour of Wajir County, during which he also visited the Wajir Kenya Power and Lighting Company main station, the Wajir State Lodge, and the Wajir Stadium that is set to host this year’s Madaraka Day national celebrations on June 1.

Speaking during the ceremony attended by hundreds of residents, on Monday, Wandayi said the government was fully committed to ending the long-standing electricity challenges that have affected Wajir residents and businesses for years.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi speaking in Wajir town. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Residents of Wajir have for a long time endured persistent power outages that disrupted businesses and inconvenienced households, prompting demonstrations and protests over the unreliable electricity supply.

The CS disclosed that the government had set aside a combined total of Sh7.7 billion in the last and current financial years to support various energy projects in the county.

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi speaking in Wajir town. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

According to Wandayi, the funds will be used to implement the Last Mile Connectivity Programme, support the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP), and facilitate the implementation of the hybrid power project under the French Development Bank.

“Wajir County has for many years been plunged into darkness as a result of persistent blackouts. It is for this reason that President William Ruto’s administration has decided to tackle the problem and come up with a lasting solution once and for all. I am sure the face of this great county will be transformed in the fullness of time,” said Wandayi.

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi lauded the national government and the Ministry of Energy for the interventions that have significantly stabilised electricity supply in the area.

Wajir East MP Aden Daud speaking in Wajir town. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

“I want to thank you for finding time to be with us here to launch this electrification programme and last-mile connectivity programme for a number of suburbs, villages and the four-mile radius of Wajir town,” said the governor.

“Honourable Minister, under your watch, our electricity problem has greatly reduced, and we appreciate that very much.”

Governor Abdullahi recalled a period when frustrated residents staged demonstrations over frequent blackouts and even threatened to torch the Kenya Power station in Wajir town.

“There was a time when locals were attempting to burn down the KPLC station because of blackouts. We are now past that, and we thank you, your office, and your teams from REREC and KPLC for the interventions that brought stability to electricity supply in this town,” he added.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi and other leaders at the Wajir main power station./STEPHEN ASTARIOKO

The governor, however, noted that Wajir remains one of the fastest-growing towns in the country and called for further expansion of electricity infrastructure to meet the growing demand.

“There is a need to expand the supply much more. We know there is the hybridisation programme, but more importantly, it is time that county headquarters and towns in this region get connected to the national grid to open up opportunities for industrialisation," he said.