The transformative power of electricity in rural communities cannot be overstated. In Siaya County, this truth is coming alive as the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) drives last mile electrification projects that are reshaping livelihoods. With strategic investment and strong leadership from Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Waziri James Wandayi, thousands of residents are now embracing opportunities unlocked by grid extension.
In the 2024/2025 financial year, the government has approved a record KSh 1.8 billion budget for last mile connectivity in Siaya—setting a new benchmark for rural development in Kenya. This comes on the back of a KSh 950 million investment in the previous year, which funded 96 electrification projects and delivered 5,000 new household and institutional connections.
“These are not just numbers,” CS Wandayi said recently. “Each connection means brighter futures for our students, better-equipped hospitals, and thriving businesses.”
The impact has been transformative. Students now study longer under electric light, clinics deliver faster and safer services, and small businesses—from welding shops to barber kiosks—are leveraging power to expand their operations. For Siaya, traditionally reliant on agriculture, electricity is accelerating diversification into modern entrepreneurship.
The KSh 1.8 billion allocation, jointly executed by Kenya Power and REREC, is designed to push the grid deeper into rural areas. The funding was secured through a coordinated effort spearheaded by CS Wandayi, backed by the Finance and Treasury Committee chaired by Hon. Sam Atandi and with quick approval from National Treasury CS John Mbadi. The collaboration ensured funds were released in time, avoiding bureaucratic delays that have previously stalled similar projects.
Yet challenges persist. Scattered settlements, difficult terrain, and high connection costs remain barriers for many households. Affordability is an especially pressing concern. Experts argue that infrastructure must be matched with subsidy programs, energy literacy campaigns, and innovative financing models to ensure marginalized communities are not left behind.
Despite the hurdles, Siaya’s electrification drive has been met with enthusiasm. Schools report better academic performance, health centres credit electricity with improved patient care, and local entrepreneurs speak of newfound opportunities.
“Electricity has opened a new chapter for us,” said a trader in Bondo. “We can now run refrigerators and keep our shops open longer. This means more income for our families.”
For CS Wandayi, electrification is not merely about installing poles and wires—it is a social and economic enabler. His stewardship of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has elevated last mile connectivity as a cornerstone of national development.
Looking ahead, sustained political will and community engagement will be vital. Experts stress the need for maintenance plans, private sector involvement, and innovative technologies such as mini-grids and solar hybrids to complement the national grid.
Siaya’s progress offers a compelling blueprint for other counties. It demonstrates how well-coordinated government action, supported by strong leadership, can deliver tangible results in rural transformation.
As Kenya marches toward universal energy access, Siaya’s journey stands as proof that electrification is more than a policy—it is a pathway to poverty reduction, economic empowerment, and sustainable growth.
With the lights now on, the county’s future has never looked brighter.
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