Ruto unveils Sh4.1 billion power plan to connect 17,000 homes in Wajir

Thousands of households in Wajir County are set to gain access to electricity after President William Ruto unveiled a Sh4.1 billion electrification programme targeting Northern Kenya.

Speaking during the commissioning of a solar hybrid power plant in Habaswein Town, the President announced that the investment will connect an additional 17,000 households to the national electricity network as part of efforts to accelerate development in historically underserved regions.

The initiative forms part of the government's broader affirmative action programme aimed at closing infrastructure and service delivery gaps in Northern Kenya.

Ruto acknowledged the progress made by agencies such as the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) but noted that electrification levels in the region still lag behind the national average.

He said Habaswein Town has already benefited from government projects that have connected 1,700 households to electricity.

To further expand access to reliable power, the President said the government will continue investing in hybrid mini-grid systems tailored for arid and semi-arid areas.

Under the programme, Wajir County is set to receive 26 mini-grids, a move expected to boost economic activity, improve public services and support local businesses.

The solar hybrid power plant commissioned in Habaswein is part of the Last Mile Electrification Programme, which includes a 54-kilometre grid extension linking Habaswein, Lagdima, Qanchara, Samattah and Lagbogol to the national grid.

The project will not only serve households but also provide electricity to schools, health facilities, markets and places of worship.

Wajir South MP Mohamed Adow said residents were already experiencing the benefits of expanded energy infrastructure, noting that ongoing energy projects in the constituency are valued at nearly Sh2 billion.

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi Jiir also welcomed the government's interventions, saying residents were already benefiting from several development projects across the county.

The event was attended by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira, Wajir Deputy Governor Ahmed Muhumed Abdi and officials from REREC and Kenya Power.