Residents of Kitui County are poised to gain from a new rural electrification initiative following a partnership between the County Government and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC).
Announcing the collaboration, County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock, Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele, revealed that the project, implemented under the Ministry of Environment led by County Executive Richard Mwandandu, is anchored on a matching grant arrangement. The program aims to connect several homes to the national power grid in the coming weeks.
“The County Government of Kitui is working with REREC to connect homes to electricity under a matching grant program. This means more light for our homes, more opportunities for our youth, and more growth for our economy,” Dr. Kimwele said. He emphasized that access to electricity is a critical driver of development, boosting productivity, increasing household incomes, and opening up economic opportunities from homes to farms and shopping centres.
Kwale County Assembly Speaker also lauded the transformative impact of rural electrification, citing improved food preservation and reduced costs for households. “Rural electrification has enabled families to own refrigerators, eliminating the need to travel to markets for food storage. It has replaced costly kerosene lamps, lowering expenses for households,” he noted, urging the government to sustain efforts to ensure reliable power in all villages.
Both leaders agreed that expanding rural electrification will raise living standards, stimulate local economies, enhance food security, and empower youth through new business opportunities.
According to REREC, the corporation is currently undertaking 109 rural electrification projects worth Ksh 1.79 billion across six counties Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Murang’a, Marsabit, and Nyeri. These projects, expected to connect at least 10,900 households, are targeted for completion by December 31, 2025.
In Nyeri County alone, REREC plans to implement 33 projects in Kieni, Mathira, Mukurweini, Nyeri Town, Othaya, and Tetu constituencies at a cost of Ksh 243.58 million, aiming to connect 1,754 households. These projects are jointly funded by the Government of Kenya and development partners.
With these ongoing investments, rural communities across Kenya are on track to gain improved access to electricity, unlocking new social and economic potential.