Chepkoghkogh residents decry 13-year electricity blackout
Rift Valley
By
Irissheel Shanzu
| Jun 12, 2025
Kenya Power and Lighting company employee reconnects power in Kakamega town on August 8, 2024. [File, Standard]
Residents of Chepkoghkogh in Central Pokot Sub-County are up in arms over a ="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&cx=011965659370381653902:7awkdkhs2_y&q=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/rift-valley/article/2001519810/farmers-protest-delayed-compensation-over-power-line&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwil76bm_euNAxWFTqQEHarfD10QFnoECAUQAg&usg=AOvVaw2P8lYVGSo9Sr-mT1LvrJRu&fexp=72986057,72986056">long-standing lack of electricity in their area<, 13 years after a government-initiated power project stalled.
According to residents, the project was launched in 2012 and saw power connected briefly before it was cut off within a week, never to return.
“The power lines were set up in 2012. Power was connected and lasted only for one week,” said Benjamin Tiamale, the former senior chief of Chepkoghkogh Location.
Chepkoghkogh, which has a population of over 9,000 and 20 schools spread across seven sub-locations, has remained in darkness for over a decade. The community blames the absence of electricity for stunted economic growth, rampant unemployment, and worsening poverty.
READ MORE
Baby Pendo murder suspects freed on bail
Luhya elders seek national recognition for centenarian over peace initiatives
Shoe wars and public fury as public take aim at power
Police fail to locate retired officer facing murder charges in Baby Pendo case
With better support, Junior Starlets can do better
With better support, Starlets can do better
Intern doctors to learn posting results after KMPDC ballot on Wednesday
Squatters stop government from fresh allocation at stalled scheme
Limuru FKF officials call on government to help federations in nurturing talent
Junior Starlets face Cameroon in must-win World Cup Qualifier
“This electricity program was being pushed by the former late Sigor MP Wilson Litole, and since his passing, nothing has moved,” Tiamale said.
Residents say the last time a contractor was seen on-site was in 2018. Some of the equipment, including fallen transformers, was moved by locals to nearby schools for safekeeping.
“We picked up some of the ="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&cx=011965659370381653902:7awkdkhs2_y&q=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001518528/counties-ready-to-pay-sh-47-b-bill-ask-kplc-to-do-same&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwiLh8iO_uuNAxX7TqQEHT5WIu8QFnoECAoQAg&usg=AOvVaw0pGEwSte2pkPeTlh9nBJDf&fexp=72986057,72986056">fallen transformers Businesses at the main trading centre are reportedly forced to close early due to the lack of lighting and growing security concerns. “Darkness has made the area insecure. Gangs take advantage of the situation at night. We suffer especially during the rainy season. This area borders Elgeyo Marakwet and is prone to night attacks," said Evelyn Kasenya, a resident.
Raymond Sikamoi, another resident, faulted the original contractor for doing the shoddy work and called on the ="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&cx=011965659370381653902:7awkdkhs2_y&q=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001512559/bills-war-kenya-power-demands-sh3b-as-city-hall-delivers-garbage%3Futm_cmp_rs%3Damp-next-page&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwil76bm_euNAxWFTqQEHarfD10QFnoECAoQAg&usg=AOvVaw03WiDUuZUD4O39_sx2HHXg&fexp=72986057,72986056">Kenya Power and Lighting Company< (KPLC) to intervene.
“The cost of fuel and power units for generators is too high. Without electricity, people must travel far to access basic services like welding and phone charging,” he said.
Mr Sikamoi urged the government to include Chepkoghkogh in the upcoming financial year’s power distribution budget, warning that the area’s economic potential remains untapped due to a lack of electricity.
Sigor Member of Parliament Peter Lochakapong expressed disappointment over the government’s silence on the matter.
Residents now hope that the government will act swiftly to revive and complete the long-forgotten power project, which they say is key to unlocking the region’s development.
Unbeaten KCB Chess Club leads Premier League title charge
The bankers, guided by experienced Candidate Master and head coach Benjamin Magana, continued their dominant form over the weekend.
School Games: Butere Girls to renew rivalry with Madira Girls in Western Region finals
The national champions, Butere Girls, are fresh from defending their Kakamega County title after edging out Archbishop Njenga Girls 2-1 in a thrilling final.
KRU, Menzies Aviation enter into partnership
The partnership jointly spearheaded by KRU, ChildFund Rugby, and Menzies Aviation brings in sponsorship worth over Sh11,634,300 (USD 90,000) that will be spread out within the next two years.
Champions Blazers, USIU-A Mashujaa maintain top spots
Reigning Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) women’s Premier League champions Blazers Hockey Club remained at the summit of the table as the first leg of the 2025 season ended at the weekend.
Top players earn handicap promotions
Players were honoured when the curtains came down on three-day Calvary Cup that was snatched away by Off-Beat Safaris at Manyatta Polo Club over the weekend.