National government in Kenya plans to connect 33,000 households to electricity in Nakuru County.

Consequently, the programme has been allocated Ksh3.2 billion in the current financial year.

The allocation is expected to expand electricity access in Nakuru County under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme that targets rural homes.

Speaking at St Joseph Comprehensive School in Elburgon ward, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the projects will be implemented by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) and Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) as part of the government’s plan to achieve universal power access as a core pillar of its development agenda.

“President William Ruto is the first President in the history of the Republic of Kenya to make electricity a right for every citizen, recognizing power as a public good that should be accessible to all,” Wandayi said.

“As a government we remain committed to ensuring every household, business and public institution is connected to the national grid. This will open up investments in the rural areas and marginalised areas hence tapping into the huge potential,” he added.

Wadayi explained the importance of the phase that will cover 33,000 households in Nakuru County, which will ensure that communities can fully benefit from the national grid, boosting economic growth and social development.

Wandayi warned those opposing development to give President William Ruto time to deliver on his development agenda and urged them to shun rhetoric and divisive politics.

“We must keep off politics on development matters. The president remains fully committed in ensuring no region remains behind on development. I want to urge those in opposition not to deceive Kenyans with mere slogans that mean nothing,” Wandayi noted.

The sentiment was echoed by Molo MP Kuria Kimani who lauded the president for equitable distribution of development programmes irrespective of political inclinations of the nation. MP Kuria noted that Molo constituency will be allocated Ksh279 million for Last Mile Connectivity with 39 projects planned for next week in four wards.

“With the Ksh279 million set aside For Last Mile Connectivity in Molo constituency, we will be able to reach 89 per cent electricity connectivity in the sub-county,” MP Kuria said.

The legislator urged residents to support the government to attract more projects in the constituency adding that already he has been able to drill over 16 boreholes and with access to power, more residents will get water as he will be able to pump water up to 15 kilometres from the source.

“Let us not be deceived to dance to the tune of the opposition, we are seeing development right from infrastructure, water and now electricity. This shows this government has prioritized the agenda of Kenyans,” the MP said.

Nakuru Governor, Susan Kihika, underlined the need for Nakuru residents to embrace renewable energy transition to mitigate the global warming effects, noting that excessive tree cutting for wood and charcoal has impacted negatively on climate.

“I want to urge my people to embrace clean energy if at all we are going to address the effects of climate change. We have unpredictable weather patterns which interfere with production,” Kihika pleaded.

The governor commended the national government for the substantial investment, noting that enhanced electricity access would spur economic growth, improve livelihoods and accelerate service delivery.

Kihika observed that, since Nakuru economy depends 60 per cent on agriculture, power access will be vital in the dairy industry as well as boosting value addition on farm products to cushion farmers against losses.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Absalom Namwalo