For generations, the quiet village of Miruka in North Nyakach, Kisumu County, has lived under the rhythm of kerosene lamps and the glow of moonlight. But this week, a new dawn broke, literally, when the national government launched a long awaited electricity project that connected several households to the grid.
The joy was palpable. Families gathered in celebration, children clapped with excitement, and elders watched with pride as the flick of a switch illuminated homes that had never known the hum of electric light.
Among the beneficiaries was the family of Meshack Ouma Odhiambo, who could hardly contain their gratitude. “Electricity will change everything here,” they said, noting how the project would transform education, business, and daily life in Miruka.
Leading the ceremony was the Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Opiyo Wandayi, who underscored the government’s commitment to bridging the energy gap in rural communities.
He announced that a staggering 1.4 billion shillings had been set aside to connect residents across Kisumu County.
“This is not just about power lines,” Wandayi declared. “It is about empowering families, creating opportunities, and ensuring that no Kenyan is left behind in the march toward development.”
For Miruka, the impact is immediate and far reaching. Students will now study under proper lighting, free from the dim and smoky kerosene lamps that often strained their eyes.
Small businesses from tailoring shops to local kiosks can extend their working hours and expand their services.
Even healthcare delivery will improve, as clinics can refrigerate medicines and operate equipment more reliably.
The project also carries symbolic weight. Electricity is more than a utility; it is a promise of progress, a signal that rural communities matter in the national agenda.
For residents who have long felt forgotten, the arrival of power lines is a reminder that development can indeed reach the grassroots.
As dusk fell on Miruka that evening, the village glowed with newfound brilliance. What was once a dark horizon now shimmered with light, hope, and possibility. For the people of Miruka, the future has never looked brighter.
