Over 14,000 customers to be connected to power in Western by June

Over 14,000 new customers in the West Kenya region are set to be connected to electricity by June 30.

Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation CEO Dr Rose Mkalama said 245 projects are currently ongoing in the counties of Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Kisumu, Siaya, and Vihiga for Sh1.29 billion.

Upon completion, the projects will connect 14,171 new customers to electricity.

Mkalama said 56 electrification projects initiated in Busia in the 2022–23 financial year for Sh311 million will benefit 3,517 customers in the county.

Out of the 56 projects, 11 have been successfully commissioned, four are completed and awaiting commissioning, 30 are under implementation and 11 are set to begin in two weeks.

The CEO was speaking on Wednesday during the commissioning of four other rural electrification projects in Teso South constituency.

She said the Kacherere Trading Center; Kalachamong Village, Kakoldong Village and Kochek Village electrification projects are part of 10 projects in the constituency which will connect 370 customers to the national grid for Sh64.7 million.

“This commissioning marks a significant step towards enhancing access to electricity, bridging the energy gap in rural areas and promoting social economic development,” she said.

In January, Mukalama signed a Memorandum of Association with Makueni that would see the implementation of programmes aimed at advancing electricity accessibility, renewable energy and clean cooking.

The partnership sought to benefit 624 households with a Sh30 million matching grant from the county.

Mkalama said then that the cooperation had already established 37 projects in three years worth Sh175 million.

The CEO said they have raised Sh2.3 billion from various county governments and partners that are key in the development pillar.

Speaking during the commissioning, REREC board director Milton Lucheri gave an update on the Matching Fund programme.

The programme is an innovative approach where REREC collaborates with county governments and constituencies through the National Constituency Development Fund by contributing a shilling for every shilling raised by counties and constituencies towards projects.

Lucheri said the Busia county government and various constituencies within the county contributed Sh143.7 million under the matching fund facility in the 2017-2023 financial years and attracted a matching amount of Sh122.5 million from REREC.

The funds include the latest collaboration where Busia county contributed Sh40.2 million which was matched with Sh35 million by REREC totalling Sh75.2 million.

The funds will be used to undertake 24 electrification projects within Busia County and will connect 664 customers to the national grid upon completion.

In Teso South, Lucheri said three projects are being implemented under the Matching Fund Programme and will benefit 98 households upon completion.

He said the projects are in alignment with the national economic development blueprint, Vision 2030, and the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) championed by President William Ruto.

“The Corporation continues to implement projects countrywide aiming to enhance rural electrification in Kenya, improving the livelihoods of our people and contributing to the nation’s overall development,” Lucheri said.