The national government has allocated Ksh.1.5 billion to accelerate electricity connectivity in Nandi County, a move expected to spur economic growth and improve living standards. The initiative, spearheaded by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), aims to connect over 6,000 households within the next year, bringing reliable power to rural communities.
Speaking during the commissioning of electrification projects in Chemichemi and Samoo villages in Chesumei Constituency, REREC CEO Dr. Rose Mkalama emphasized the transformative impact of electricity on education, healthcare, and business. She revealed that 188 households in the two villages had already been connected at no cost, thanks to government funding.
Dr. Mkalama also introduced the “Shilling for Shilling” initiative, urging local leaders to partner with REREC to expand electrification. Under this program, Members of Parliament and county governments can contribute funds up to Ksh.5 million from NG-CDF which REREC matches, effectively doubling available resources. “Leaders have the freedom to prioritize projects that will benefit their communities the most,” she stated.
Chesumei MP Paul Kibichiy praised the government’s efforts, noting the significant progress in rural electrification. He called on residents to safeguard power infrastructure against vandalism, warning that destruction would reverse development gains. Kibichiy also encouraged farmers to leverage electricity to enhance tea production the region’s economic backbone through value addition and modernized processing.
Meanwhile, REREC is extending the project to Taleltany and Kiborgok villages in Emgwen Constituency, where an additional 139 households will be connected. This expansion underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive development, ensuring even remote areas benefit from reliable energy.
The electrification drive aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Big Four Agenda, which prioritize universal electricity access to drive industrialization and job creation. For Nandi County, the project promises to unlock new opportunities, from agribusiness to digital access, ultimately improving livelihoods and fostering sustainable growth.
As the initiative progresses, collaboration between residents, leaders, and REREC will be crucial to ensuring its success and maximizing long-term benefits for the region.
