President William Ruto has recently praised the partnership between the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) and county governments for their efforts in enhancing rural electrification in Kenya. During a visit to Kinjabi Village in Nambale Constituency, he highlighted the significant impact of these collaborative projects on local communities.
One of the key initiatives discussed was the “Shilling-for-Shilling” matching fund program, where county governments contribute up to Ksh.5 million per sub-county for electrification projects, which REREC matches. This innovative funding model allows local governments to prioritize areas that require immediate electrification, thereby ensuring that resources are allocated effectively. Notably, Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma was commended for his leadership in this initiative, as Busia County and REREC have jointly allocated Ksh.157 million specifically for rural electrification efforts in the region.
Dr. Rose Mkalama, CEO of REREC, informed President Ruto that 17 counties have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) under this program, collectively raising Ksh.4 billion for rural electrification projects. Furthermore, plans are underway to engage an additional six counties in the coming weeks, with aspirations for all counties to participate in this vital program.
During his visit, President Ruto oversaw the connection of 191 households to electricity in Kinjabi Village and an additional 138 families in Namoni Cheloti, Bungoma County. The government’s commitment to rural electrification is underscored by its plan to invest Ksh.2.2 billion over the next year to connect 23,736 families in Bungoma County alone.
This initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader goal of achieving universal access to electricity by 2026 and modern cooking solutions by 2028, significantly ahead of global targets set under Sustainable Development Goal 7. The REREC’s strategic plan aims to connect one million customers in rural areas and increase clean energy contributions to the national grid.
The collaboration between REREC and county governments represents a transformative step towards improving energy access in rural Kenya. By empowering local authorities through funding initiatives and fostering partnerships, the government aims to uplift communities and drive socio-economic development across the nation.
