Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi assured Kenyans that ongoing tensions in the Middle East will not disrupt the country’s fuel supply, emphasizing that strategic government interventions have safeguarded the nation against potential shortages and price instability. Appearing before the Senate at Parliament Buildings, Wandayi explained that stakeholder engagements and Government to Government fuel importation arrangements have played a key role in maintaining steady supply. He addressed recent reports of fuel scarcity, attributing them to a technical and administrative hitch that has since been resolved, with normal supply restored. He urged the public not to panic, noting that the current framework has effectively cushioned Kenya from global market volatility.
On electricity access, Wandayi revealed that 365,277 households in Kajiado County are connected to the national grid, contributing to a nationwide total of 10,346,947 connections. He highlighted investments by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation amounting to Ksh1.415 billion over the past four years, which have facilitated 4,358 new connections and the installation of 310 high mast lights and street lighting infrastructure. The Ministry is accelerating 53 electrification projects across constituencies in Kajiado through equitable funding, provision of materials, and collaboration with Members of Parliament under a cost sharing arrangement. Enhanced coordination between REREC and Kenya Power in inspections, commissioning, and metering is expected to eliminate delays and speed up electricity access in underserved areas.
Wandayi also addressed compensation concerns affecting individuals impacted by major transmission line projects, including Kajiado Namanga, Sultan Hamud Merrueshi Loitoktok, and UMMA University Konza corridors. A total of 836 individuals have been identified, with 108, 37, and 18 cases respectively still pending due to documentation challenges, land ownership disputes, and verification processes. He assured the Senate that the Ministry is working closely with relevant agencies to resolve outstanding issues and ensure fair and timely compensation, reaffirming the government’s commitment to balancing infrastructure development with the rights of affected communities.
Responding to recent power outages in Nairobi estates caused by heavy rains and flooding, Wandayi outlined both immediate and long term interventions. Short term measures include improving drainage systems around substations in collaboration with county governments, clearing storm water channels with roads authorities, and intensified vegetation management to prevent tree related disruptions. Long term strategies involve elevating substations above flood levels, undergrounding vulnerable power lines, replacing wooden poles with concrete alternatives, and investing in smart grid technologies to enhance fault detection and system reliability.
Wandayi’s presentation reflected a Ministry actively addressing both global and domestic energy challenges. From securing fuel supply amid geopolitical uncertainties to expanding electricity access and strengthening infrastructure resilience, the measures outlined signal a focused approach to ensuring energy stability. His acknowledgment of existing challenges, particularly in compensation and service delivery, alongside ongoing corrective actions, underscores a commitment to transparency and sustained progress in the sector.
James’ Kilonzo Bwire is a Media and Communication Practitioner.
