Okuleu, Teso North: Where Water and Electricity Remain a Pipe Dream for Locals

Busia County, lies the village of Okuleu, where a persistent lack of basic amenities such as electricity and clean water has left residents in a state of despair. Despite the area’s population of over four hundred families, Okuleu continues to lag behind in terms of development, raising concerns among the locals who feel neglected by both the county and national governments.

The absence of electricity in Okuleu is a glaring issue that has been highlighted repeatedly by residents. Martin Ikedi, a community leader, along with fellow residents Sarah Otei and Patrick Etee, have been vocal about the community’s frustrations. “We have complained about this issue for a long time but our pleas have had no impact since there is no electricity in our area,” Ikedi lamented. Their repeated calls for action have been met with silence, even as government and partner-funded electrification projects are rolled out in other parts of the country.

The lack of electricity has far-reaching consequences, particularly for educational institutions within the village. Local schools have struggled to provide a conducive learning environment, as the absence of power hinders the use of essential learning tools and technologies. “The lack of electricity has severely impacted educational activities in the local schools,” said Otei. This, in turn, compromises the quality of education that students in Okuleu receive, putting them at a disadvantage compared to their peers in more developed areas.

Beyond education, the absence of electricity has also contributed to an increase in crime within the village. In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in criminal activities, including theft and other offenses, which residents attribute to the darkness that envelopes the village at night. “We live in constant fear,” said Etee. “The lack of lighting makes it easy for criminals to operate, and our security is compromised.”

One of the most distressing outcomes of the lack of development in Okuleu is the increase in cases of sexual assault and abuse, particularly targeting young girls and women. With no street lights to illuminate the village, perpetrators find it easier to commit heinous acts under the cover of darkness. “Cases of sexual assault and abuse of women and girls have also been on a rise following the matter,” residents noted. This grim reality has added another layer of urgency to the community’s calls for electricity and better infrastructure.

The issue of water scarcity further compounds the residents’ struggles. The lack of clean and accessible water sources has forced many families to rely on distant and often contaminated water points, posing a significant health risk to the community. The absence of a reliable water supply not only affects daily household activities but also exacerbates the challenges faced by schools and healthcare facilities in the area.

In light of these pressing issues, the residents of Okuleu have made a fervent appeal to Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, urging him to intervene and ensure that the village is connected to the national grid. They argue that providing electricity and clean water is not a luxury but a basic right that every citizen should have access to, regardless of their geographical location. “We are not asking for too much,” said Ikedi. “We just want to be able to live with dignity, to send our children to school without fearing for their safety, and to have clean water to drink.”

The plight of Okuleu serves as a stark reminder of the disparities in development that continue to exist across Kenya. As the country strives towards its development goals, it is imperative that no community is left behind. The residents of Okuleu are hopeful that their cries will finally be heard and that they will soon see the day when electricity and clean water are no longer distant dreams but a reality they can enjoy.