Kitui residents to benefit from rural electrification partnership

Residents of Kitui are set to benefit from a new rural electrification partnership between the County Government of Kitui and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), aimed at connecting more households to reliable electricity.

Speaking during the announcement, County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock, Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele, said the collaboration implemented under the Ministry of Environment led by County Executive Richard Mwandandu is anchored on a matching grant arrangement that will see several homes connected to the power grid in the coming weeks.

“The County Government of Kitui is working with REREC to connect homes to electricity under a matching grant program. This means more light for our homes, more opportunities for our youth, and more growth for our economy.” Mbaya said.

“This is a good initiative, which we are supporting as the County Government under the leadership of Governor Dr. Malongo,” Dr. Kimwele said. “Power is critical for the development of any area. It will boost productivity, increase incomes, and open up opportunities for our people from their homes to farms and nearby shopping centres.”

At the same time, Kwale County Assembly Speaker emphasized the transformative impact rural electrification has had on communities, enabling residents to own refrigerators and store perishable goods such as fish, without relying on distant markets or trading centres.

“Rural electrification has enabled households to own refrigerators, eliminating the need to travel to markets for food storage. Families can now preserve fish and other foods at home, improving convenience and reducing spoilage. In the past, lighting relied on costly kerosene lamps, but electricity has cut these expenses. Residents thank the government and urge continued efforts to ensure all villages have reliable power,” he noted.

Both leaders agreed that the continued rollout of rural electrification will not only improve living standards but also drive economic growth in counties, empowering households to venture into small businesses, enhance food security, and create new opportunities for youth.

Ongoing projects

The Corporation in a statement says it is on course to connect at least 10,900 households in Mt Kenya to the grid by the close of the year.

It is currently undertaking a total of 109 rural electrification projects in six counties of Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Murang’a, Marsabit and Nyeri at a total cost of Ksh 1.79 billion.

“These projects are expected to connect approximately 10,900 households upon completion and are targeted for completion by 31st December 2025,” said the REREC.

In Nyeri County, REREC is targeting to implement a total of 33 rural electrification projects for 2023/24 and 2024/25 fiscal years in Kieni, Mathira, Mukurweini, Nyeri Town, Othaya and Tetu to the tune of Ksh 243.58 million.

The projects in Nyeri County are funded by the both the government of Kenya and development partners and targets to connect 1,754 households upon completion.

Also read https://www.kbc.co.ke/rerec-earmarks-ksh-1-79b-to-connect-10900-households-in-mt-kenya/