Twenty-seven thousand (27,000) households are set to get connected to electricity in Bungoma County under the last mile connectivity program by the government.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary (CS) Opiyo Wandayi says the government has allocated a total of KSh1.9 billion to connect more than 27,000 households to electricity across the county.
Speaking at Wabukhonyi Village in Webuye East Constituency during the launch of the program, Wandayi noted that many residents in Bungoma have lived without electricity for a long time, adding that the government is intensifying efforts to ensure universal access to power.
He acknowledged that the allocated funds may not be sufficient to connect all households but assured residents that the ministry will seek additional funding in the next financial year to expand coverage.
“Although the allocated funds may not be sufficient to connect all households, the ministry will seek additional funding in the next financial year to expand electricity coverage,” Wandayi said.
The CS further announced that the ministry has set aside KSh6 million to purchase and install a 650 KVA transformer at Bungoma County Referral Hospital (BCRH) within the next two weeks.
According to Wandayi, the installation will enable the hospital to efficiently operate heavy medical equipment and reduce the cost burden for patients who currently travel to Eldoret and other towns for specialized services.
He also revealed that the Webuye power substation is slated for an upgrade to minimize frequent power outages in the area.
“The ministry has set aside Sh6 million to purchase and install a 650 KVA transformer at Bungoma County Referral Hospital within the next two weeks. This will enable the hospital to operate heavy medical equipment efficiently and reduce the cost burden for patients who travel to Eldoret and other towns for specialized services,” he stated.
He added, “We are also planning to upgrade the Webuye power substation to minimize frequent power outages in the area,”
Additionally, the government is in the process of establishing a power generation station at Nabuyole Waterfall, which is expected to produce over 40 megawatts of electricity once completed.
“The government is in the process of establishing a power generation station at Nabuyole Waterfall, which is expected to produce over 40 megawatts of electricity upon completion. The project will create employment opportunities for the youth during and after construction and will significantly strengthen and stabilize electricity supply in the region,” he affirmed.
Webuye East Member of Parliament Martin Wanyonyi Pepela lauded the government’s efforts, noting that access to electricity will spur economic growth, enhance security and create employment opportunities, especially for the youth.
Pepela observed that insecurity in the area has been exacerbated by poor lighting, expressing optimism that the new connections will deter criminal activities.
The Cabinet Secretary also toured Musembe and Nasianda areas in Kimilili Constituency as part of the same electrification exercise.
