Kakuzi-mitubiri: Residents of Kakuzi-Mitubiri ward in lower Gatanga constituency, Murang'a County, are celebrating a significant development as over 2,500 households in the marginalized and semi-arid area have been officially connected to electricity.
According to Kenya News Agency, the milestone was achieved through the launch of the Matunda Electrification Project, officiated by Energy Principal Secretary (PS) Alex Wachira. During the event, Wachira emphasized the government's commitment to achieving universal access to electricity, particularly in communities that have historically been overlooked. He stated, "Today is a testament that we are leaving no region behind in last mile connectivity."
In Gatanga alone, Sh231 million has been allocated for 38 electrification projects. All 18 projects implemented by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) were launched, with the remaining projects to be executed by the Energy Finance Bank Corporation (EFBC) and Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). The PS assured that by December 2025, all targeted households would be connected to electricity.
The PS also highlighted an additional allocation of Sh880 million to connect over 10,151 households in Murang'a County. He emphasized that the electrification effort goes beyond providing power to homes, as it aims to eradicate poverty, stimulate economic growth, and create opportunities. With access to electricity, residents can run businesses, power boreholes, and reduce carbon emissions from diesel and kerosene.
Wachira addressed previous challenges related to meter provision, assuring residents that every home connected to the grid would receive a meter promptly. Murang'a Woman Representative Betty Maina welcomed the project, highlighting its benefits for women and families who have long faced disadvantages. She expressed gratitude to the Kenya Kwanza administration for supporting the electrification of marginalized homes.
Maragua MP Mary Wamaua echoed these sentiments, underscoring the importance of electricity for development. She stated, "There is no development without electricity. But with power, a lot can be achieved from creating jobs to reducing pollution from diesel generators that we have seen here."
For residents, the project's launch symbolized the fulfillment of a long-awaited dream. Joseph Kimani, a local farmer, shared how electricity would transform his family's agripreneurial endeavors, allowing him to save money and improve productivity. He noted that electricity would enable him to utilize a chaff cutter for fodder production and open opportunities for maize milling and other industries.
Prisca Njeri, another beneficiary, expressed how the project would change lives, particularly for mothers and children. She highlighted improved study conditions for children and enhanced security due to better lighting. Njeri also noted the project's extensive reach, connecting more households than previous initiatives.
As the electrification cables were activated and lights illuminated Kakuzi-Mitubiri on Friday evening, a wave of joy and optimism swept through the community. For a region once left behind, this electrification project signifies not just access to power but a promise of a brighter, more fulfilling future.