The government will continue investing in electricity connectivity projects across Kisumu County as part of ongoing efforts to ensure every household has access to power, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has said.
Wandayi said ongoing electrification projects worth Sh1.4 billion are expected to expand power access in different parts of the county and spur economic growth.
The CS noted that the projects are part of the government’s wider agenda of increasing electricity coverage in rural areas and improving the livelihoods of residents through access to reliable energy.
In Nyakach Sub-county, ongoing electrification works valued at Sh210 million are targeting villages that have remained without electricity for years.
He spoke on Friday in Nyakach during a meeting convened by Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda.
“Electricity is not just about lighting homes. It is a driver of development that opens opportunities for businesses, creates jobs and improves the quality of life for our people,” Wandayi said.
He said access to electricity would enable residents to venture into income-generating activities and support the growth of small businesses in rural areas.
According to the CS, the government remains focused on ensuring that electricity reaches every corner of the country, including remote villages that have historically been left out of national development programmes.
“It remains the government’s position to ensure electricity reaches all homes. We are implementing projects across the country because no Kenyan should be left behind,” he said.
Wandayi said the expansion of power infrastructure would contribute significantly to economic growth by attracting investment and creating opportunities for young people.
Prof. Ojienda welcomed the progress of the electrification programme, saying improved access to electricity would help transform livelihoods and strengthen local economies.
“Electricity is an important catalyst for development. Communities with access to power are able to support businesses, improve education and enhance service delivery in health facilities,” said Ojienda.
Residents who attended the meeting expressed optimism that the ongoing projects would accelerate development in villages that have long operated without electricity.
Many noted that electricity connectivity would help reduce the cost of doing business while creating opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking to establish enterprises within rural trading centres.
The CS also used the occasion to urge members of the Luo community to remain united, saying unity would strengthen the community’s voice in national affairs and enhance its ability to advocate for development.
“Unity gives a community greater bargaining power. When people work together, they are better placed to pursue common interests and secure development opportunities,” he said.
The government has in recent years intensified rural electrification efforts across the country, with projects targeting homes, schools, health facilities and trading centres.
In Kisumu County, officials say the ongoing investments are expected to improve electricity coverage and support economic activities in both urban and rural areas.
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