Government to connect all villages to the grid

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The Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to connect all villages nationwide to electricity.

Speaking at Kochoroi Comprehensive School in Nambale Sub County on Friday, Wandayi said that the last mile connectivity was purely a national government programme and no Kenyan should pay any amount of money to benefit.

“During this financial year alone, Busia County has been allocated Sh14.6 billion for electricity supply,” he said, adding that the funds will connect 280 households across the county.

He stated that Nambale Sub County has been allocated Sh350 million, adding that the government will allocate more funds during the next financial year to ensure that no Kenyan is left behind in terms of development.

The CS at the same time, urged residents of the Western region to remain united politically and support President Ruto’s reelection. “Let us embrace the rule of law and love one another for the purpose of development,” he said.

Nambale MP Geoffrey Mulanya urged residents to vote for leaders with development track records in the 2027 general election.

Mulanya further urged residents to listen to all political leaders but reject those castigating the government development projects.

“For instance, those leaders who are opposing SHA are selfish,” he said while urging residents to register and benefit from the government health insurance scheme.

He added that the government was supporting so many projects in Busia County, including EPZ, roads, fertiliser stores, electricity, among others.

The lawmaker, at the same time, said that construction of the Mungatsi modern market is expected to begin soon.

He called for affirmative action for Nambale constituency, adding that it has lagged behind in terms of development for so many years.

Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo said that the electricity project will attract investors to the area.

Omanyo added that a Sh55 million stadium was on the pipeline for residents, promising that she would continue supporting vulnerable youth through economic empowerment.

She at the same time claimed that there is a group of people who want to divide Nyanza and the Western region for selfish motives. “Criminals should be dealt with individually and not as tribal groups,” she said, adding that the Kenyan constitution allows for freedom of movement and association.

Busia County Commissioner Stephen Orinde assured residents of their security through regular patrols.

By Salome Alwanda

Reporting originally appeared via Kenya News Agency. Read the full source for additional context.