Wandayi: Sh800 million allocated to boost power access in Kajiado

**Cabinet Secretary of Energy and petroleum Opiyo Wandayi, at Dr Likimani primary school in Kajiado county during the commissioning of electrification project.** [Peterson Githaiga]

The government is committed and will continue to expand electricity access across the country in order to provide sustainable energy solutions for all Kenyans.

This will be done through renewable energy and rural electrification, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has said.

Wandayi says the strategic plan launched by his ministry recently will help Kenyans access electricity easily and transform their lives by boosting businesses, security, education, and healthcare, respectively.

Speaking in Kajiado county on Wednesday during the commissioning of the rural electrification program at Dr Likimani Primary school, the CS emphasised that electricity provision is a key pillar of the government’s development blueprint, which prioritises socio-economic empowerment for residents.

Wandayi said during the recent budget estimates, Kajiado county in particular was allocated more than Sh800 million, which will be spent on lighting the rural areas in the county.

This money aligns with our commitment to ensuring reliable power for all households, schools, and trading centres in this county. We will not be diverted by the ongoing politics in the country'' noted the CS.

Wandayi was referring to a new Strategic Plan launched recently that aims to connect 1 million customers in rural areas through the electrification of 15,000 public facilities and the installation of 5,000 transformers in the country.

''In our commitment, we have also developed a National Electrification Strategy (KNES) that provides a road map to key solutions for providing electricity to areas where grid extension is not economically viable. This is done through the development of mini-grids.

These systems have significantly improved rural livelihoods by powering businesses, enhancing healthcare services, and facilitating educational development.

Kajiado East Member of Parliament Kakuta Maimai, who accompanied the Minister, lauded the initiative, saying it's a transformative project aimed at improving electricity access across rural villages in the county.

“This initiative will drive economic growth in rural areas by promoting entrepreneurship, enabling access to digital jobs, and enhancing product development,” noted the MP.

Parents and area residents from across the county commended the county administration and the REREC for their collaboration that will see them connected to the grid for the first time since independence.

Led by Beatrice Sanaipei, the beneficiaries pointed out that bringing light to the communities will help spur development in the underserved areas, promote trading activities, agriculture and enhance a 24-hour economy