Nandi County: Residents of Nandi County have been urged to collaborate with authorities to prevent the vandalism of electricity power infrastructure. Dr. Rose Mkalama, CEO of the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), visited Nandi and implored residents to report any suspicious activities targeting public electric power infrastructure for immediate action.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Mkalama emphasized the importance of safeguarding infrastructure during her address at the commissioning of the Kiborgok Electrification Project in Emgwen Constituency. She highlighted the impact of vandalism, noting that the theft of a transformer could leave nearly a hundred families without power. Mkalama stressed that public cooperation with authorities like the National Government Administrative Officers, REREC offices, and the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) is crucial in reducing these incidents.
Furthermore, Mkalama warned against individuals demanding payment before connecting electricity. She clarified that REREC provides free connections, with the connection fee of Sh15,000 to be paid gradually through electricity bills. She also encouraged residents to hire qualified individuals licensed by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) for wiring services, urging support for local youths trained in this field.
Additionally, Mkalama expressed gratitude to Nandi residents for their cooperation in granting free wayleaves for power transmission projects. She acknowledged the smooth progress of projects in the region and appreciated local leaders for preparing the community to embrace development initiatives.
The CEO encouraged the people of Kiborgok and Nandi to leverage electricity for business ventures to address unemployment. Josses Lelmengit, the area Member of Parliament, also present at the event, urged the youth to engage in constructive activities and develop leadership skills to drive positive community changes.