President Ruto launches Sh3.6 billion electrification project in Wajir

President William Ruto addressing members of the public at Orahey in Wajir town. (Photo: PCS)

By Issa Hussein
Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Speaking at a public rally at Orahey Grounds in Wajir Town, President Ruto stated that the Sh3.6 billion last-mile connectivity project would significantly alleviate the electricity crisis in Wajir County.

President William Ruto on Wednesday commissioned a Sh3.6 billion last-mile connectivity electrification project aimed at connecting 20,000 new households in Wajir County.

The World Bank-funded project, implemented by Kenya Power and Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), comprises various initiatives set to be carried out across six sub-counties in Wajir.

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The commissioning Sh3.6 billion electrification project targeting to connect 20,000 new households. (PCS)

The CEO of REREC, Dr. Rose Mkalama, speaking during the commissioning, outlined the components of the project, which include connecting new households, solarisation of boreholes, and mini-grids.

She highlighted specific projects such as a Sh150 million mini-grid at Dadajabula in Wajir South, a Sh47.5 million initiative connecting 230 new customers, and the Sh10.7 million Shuublow electrification project, which will serve local communities and schools.

Speaking at a public rally at Orahey Grounds in Wajir Town, President Ruto stated that the Sh3.6 billion last-mile connectivity project would significantly alleviate the electricity crisis in Wajir County.

He assured residents that all sub-counties in Wajir would benefit from solar hybrid projects, which would eliminate reliance on diesel-powered generators.

President William Ruto signing the suspension of the ID vetting process in Northern Kenya. (PCS)

The President further announced that the government was securing additional funds, bringing the total investment in Wajir’s electricity supply to Sh6.9 billion.

He emphasised that solarising boreholes was a crucial part of the electrification project, as many locals currently rely on costly diesel-powered generators to access water.

“The electrification programme is part of two major government initiatives aimed at reducing marginalisation in the region,” Ruto stated.

He stressed that insufficient electricity supply had hindered sustainable development and economic growth in off-grid counties.

The President also cited the ongoing Isiolo-Wajir-Mandera Highway project and the suspension of the National Identity Card verification process as additional government initiatives aimed at ending marginalisation in Northern Kenya.

“The road project will be a game-changer for this region, and the suspension of the vetting process, which I have officially signed today, will bring an end to a long-standing discriminatory practice against the people of Northern Kenya,” he said.

During his visit, Ruto also launched a livestock vaccination drive, officially opened the Wajir County Referral Hospital Blood Transfusion Centre, commissioned the newly constructed Wajir County Assembly, inspected ongoing projects, including the Wajir National Government Housing Project and the Wajir County Aggregation and Industrial Park. He also visited Tarbaj Teachers Training College in Tarbaj Constituency