Residents of Kitui County are set to gain from a new rural electrification partnership between the County Government of Kitui and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), aimed at expanding access to reliable electricity across the region.
Speaking during the announcement, County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock, Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele, said the initiative, implemented under the Ministry of Environment and led by County Executive Richard Mwandandu, operates under a matching grant arrangement. The program will see several households connected to the national 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,” Dr. Kimwele said.
He emphasized that access to electricity is critical for development, noting that it would boost productivity, increase incomes, and open up opportunities from homes to farms and local markets.
Highlighting the broader benefits of rural electrification, Kwale County Assembly Speaker praised the program for enabling households to own refrigerators and store perishable goods like fish, reducing dependence on distant markets and improving convenience.
“In the past, lighting relied on costly kerosene lamps, but electricity has cut these expenses. Families can now preserve food at home, improving food security and daily convenience,” he said.
Both leaders agreed that continued rural electrification would improve living standards, drive economic growth, and empower youth to explore small businesses and other opportunities.
REREC stated that it is on course to connect at least 10,900 households in the Mt. Kenya region by the end of 2025 through 109 rural electrification projects across six counties, including Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Murang’a, Marsabit, and Nyeri, at a total cost of KSh 1.79 billion.
In Nyeri County alone, 33 projects are underway for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 fiscal years in areas such as Kieni, Mathira, Mukurweini, Nyeri Town, Othaya, and Tetu, with funding from both the Government of Kenya and development partners. These projects are expected to connect 1,754 households at a total cost of KSh 243.58 million.
The rollout of these projects underscores the government’s commitment to improving rural living conditions, supporting local economies, and expanding access to modern energy infrastructure across Kenya.
Written By Rodney Mbua
