Northern Kenya

New electrification project enhances Wajir South's growth and development

Hussein Mohammed, the Board Director of REREC (in reflector) and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi inspect a transformer in Habaswein in Wajir South. (Photo: Mohamed Anko)

By Yunis Dekow | Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Hussein Mohammed, the Board Director of REREC, said the project will promote sustainable energy solutions and rural electrification, catalysing socio-economic transformation.

The Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) launched a new electrification project in parts of Wajir South on Monday.

By connecting to the Grid, the initiative aims to expand local villages, bolster security measures, and stimulate socio-economic activities by providing electricity to key institutions and households.

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Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi thanked the agency for the programme extending electricity to towns and settlements across the county.

The cooperation has an extended role under the Energy Act in leading Kenya's efforts towards green energy, alongside its implementation of rural electrification projects.

Ahmed said the new connection will ensure schools, hospitals, and essential services are powered.

"Together, we are making significant strides in improving our communities' lives through enhanced access to electricity," he said.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by local leaders, including Wajir South MP Mohamed Adow, Wajir West MP Yusuf Farah, and REREC Board Director Hussein Mohamed.

Hussein Mohammed, the Board Director of REREC, said the project will promote sustainable energy solutions and rural electrification, catalysing socio-economic transformation.

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi turns on a socket during the commissioning of a rural electrification project in Habaswein on Monday, July 1, 2024. (Photo: Mohamed Anko)

Ahmed Diis, Member of the County Assembly for Habaswein ward, said that off-grid rural communities in Kenya face challenges, particularly the limitation in productive capacity due to lack of sustainable electricity.

He acknowledged the government's efforts in extending the Habaswein off-grid station to various centres across Wajir South, Wajir West, Isiolo North, and Lagdera constituencies.

"The REREC team should consider upgrading the 100kVa transformer currently serving Aqua Merti Factory, Senior Chief Ogle Girls Secondary School, Habaswein Boys Secondary School, and neighbouring households to 200kVa capacity," he said.

Fatuma Ali, a Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) member at Senior Chief Ogle Girls Secondary School, said she was enthusiastic about the electrification project in Wajir South.

"The new connection is a game-changer for our school. We can now offer evening classes and use technology in our teaching methods," said Madam Fatuma.

She added, "These enhancements will enrich the educational experience for our students, enabling them to access new learning resources and teaching tools."

Abdi Hussein, a trader in Habaswein, said the connection to the grid will allow him to extend his shop's operating hours and keep his goods refrigerated.

"This will attract more customers and boost my income. It's a blessing for our community," he said.

Amina Maalim, a public health officer at Habaswein Dispensary, stated that having electricity at the health centre enables proper vaccine storage and the efficient operation of medical equipment.

"This will improve healthcare delivery and save more lives," she told the Eastleigh Voice.