President William Ruto’s administration has set aside Ksh2.1billion ($16.3 million) to connect 34,000 households to electricity in Kakamega County.

Kakamega north, however, has in the recent past been a recipient of high-ranking government officials that include President Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi – among others – in an attempt to endear the ruling party United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to the Malava electorate that willing be voting in a by-lection on November 28 for the successor of fallen area MP Moses Malulu Injendi, who died in March this year.

In the by-election, UDA faces full-blooded competition from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachuagua’s DCP, Democratic Alliance Party of Kenya, Roots Party and a host of other parties that could easily wrest the seat from President Ruto column.

In light of the dicey political situation and the by-election appearing a toss-up, the government has resorted to political tokenism to woe voters as disenchantment with the Ruto administration grows.

Principal Secretary for Energy Alex Wachira said that out of the funds, Ksh146 million will be used to connect 2,700 households to electricity in Shinyalu Constituency.

Speaking at Isukha Central Ward in Shinyalu Sub-county on August 1, 2025, as he launched the last mile electricity connectivity, the principal secretary said that another Ksh229 million will be spent on connection of 3,800 households to electricity in Malava Constituency.

He said the process is ongoing and urged those who will be left out of the programme to be patient as the government maps-out all households to be considered.

The principal secretary was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development Jane Imbunya, Kakamega County Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, Shinyalu Member of Parliament Fred Ikana and several Members of the County Assembly from the constituency.

Wachira is in Kakamega County to launch last mile electricity connection. Yesterday the principal secretary launched the exercise at Isukha Central Ward in Shinyalu Constituency, before going to Navakholo.

On Monday he was in Malava Constituency in Butali-Chegulo Ward to launch and inspect the progress of connections while mapping-out households that have not been connected.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Moses Wekesa