Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has reiterated the government’s commitment to equitable development across the country. Speaking during the launch of rural electrification projects in Sababe and Mache B villages in Malava Sub-county, Kakamega County, Wandayi emphasized that no region will be sidelined under President William Ruto’s administration.
“The plan of President William Ruto is that no place in the country will be left behind in terms of development. We are awakening every area of this country with ongoing projects,” said the CS.
The electrification initiative is being spearheaded by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) in collaboration with Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). Through the programme, 95 households in Mache B and 50 in Sababe will be connected to the national electricity grid. The government has allocated sufficient funds for continued electrification in the region, with Ksh 2.9 billion spent in Kakamega County and Ksh 357 million in Malava Sub-county during the last financial year.
Wandayi directed ministry officials to ensure that all remaining households in the area are connected to electricity. He also revealed plans to install high mast floodlights at Chegulo and Ingavira markets and to extend power lines to Ihanyi, Lusumu, Luasi, and Shitirira, where a major transformer will be installed to boost supply.
“We will ensure the projects we have started are completed, including those in the pipeline,” he affirmed.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa announced a Ksh 30 million matching fund to support more rural electrification. He called on REREC to match the county’s contribution, reiterating that the county government is collaborating closely with the national government to uplift local livelihoods.
Both leaders criticized the opposition for lacking a concrete development agenda and warned against political distractions that could derail progress. Governor Barasa cautioned that Kakamega will not be allowed to become a stage for political unrest and emphasized the need for stability to ensure sustainable development.
“We must remain focused on development and avoid unnecessary political noise,” he stated.
