Kericho: The Ministry of Energy has rolled out a Sh1.4 billion rural electrification project in Kericho County, confirming the government's commitment to extending electricity access to remote parts of the country. The initiative, implemented under the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI), is set to connect more than 14,000 households to the national grid by the end of 2025.
According to Kenya News Agency, Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira, speaking during the official launch of the Kericho County Electricity Master Plan at the county headquarters, stated that the programme represents the government's commitment to translating policy into meaningful progress. Wachira emphasized that this project is not merely a policy commitment on paper but represents tangible action taking shape on the ground.
The electrification effort, which commenced in April, began with wayleave acquisition, material procurement, and the mobilization of contractors, Wachira revealed. Fieldwork has already started in Ainamoi, Kipkelion East, Kipkelion West, and Soin/Sigowet constituencies, with additional symbolic launches expected in the coming weeks.
Wachira, while briefing Kenya News Agency, asserted that the government is working under strict timelines to fast-track access to electricity and stimulate socio-economic growth in rural areas. The target is to have all identified households metered by the end of the year. He highlighted that electricity supply has the potential to transform lives by enhancing education, healthcare, small businesses, and agricultural productivity.
The Kericho project aims to connect 14,630 households and is part of a wider national strategy that includes ongoing electrification efforts in 35 other counties. Wachira added that the remaining 12 counties, mostly in arid and semi-arid regions, will be covered under the Climate-Resilient Off-Grid Solar Access (COSA) programme, expected to be introduced soon.
Wachira also noted that there are about 4.8 million households without electricity, and the aim is to connect at least one million more by December 2026, reducing that number to 3.8 million. In addition to new connections, the Ministry is working to strengthen the reliability of existing infrastructure. A recent audit by Kenya Power found 48 non-functional transformers in Kericho County, which are to be replaced in the next month under a separate RRI programme.
The PS expressed concern over growing cases of vandalism targeting electricity infrastructure, warning that it could derail development. He called on local communities to take responsibility for safeguarding infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of public ownership in sustaining development gains. The Kericho County Electricity Master Plan is expected to serve as a long-term blueprint for energy development in the region, aligning with the national drive to achieve universal electricity access and supporting the government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).