OVER 2,400 TO BENEFIT FROM NEWLY LAUNCHED KIPSING MINI-GRID POWER SUPPLY
Thousands of residents living in remote areas that are not connected to the national power grid are set to benefit from a national government project aimed at launching local solar-powered mini-grids.
More than 2,400 residents of Kipsing in Oldonyiro Sub-County, Isiolo County, are the first beneficiaries following the launch of the first mini-grid by the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Energy, Alex Wachira.
According to PS. Alex Wachira, the government plans to spend Ksh 9.6 billion to establish 114 mini-grids across 14 counties in the country.
Residents in the beneficiary counties will only pay Ksh 1,000 as electricity connection fees. Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo also pledged support for residents under the six mini-grids set to be constructed in Isiolo by assisting them with the connection fees.
Isiolo County Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya welcomed the initiative, describing it as a historic moment for many residents who will be receiving electricity connection for the first time.
Christine Lina, a resident of Kipsing, said the introduction of electricity will improve security and enable residents to run businesses and use electricity-powered devices.
Joseph Lepakio noted that residents can now charge their phones with ease, adding that security is also expected to improve following the power connections.
Gitule Lemantile said his children will now be able to study at night, adding that improved security is another major benefit of the project.
Nicholas Lemojo stated that many residents will greatly benefit from the development through improved lighting and security, which have been difficult to access in the area.
He added that the project will enhance security, improve living standards, and boost business activities within the community.
The project, funded by the World Bank at the tune of US$ 150million, implemented by the
Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, the Kenya Power and Lighting Company ( KPLC), and the
Rural and Renewable Energy Corporation ( REREC), will improve learning in schools,
increase water supply and distribution by powering borehole pumps, enhance service
delivery at hospitals and public administration offices, and support economic activity in
trading centres.
The mini-grids will be constructed at a cost of KES 9.4 billion, with REREC constructing 31
mini-grids in the 4 Counties of Isiolo, Turkana, Marsabit, and Samburu. On the other hand,
KPLC is responsible for 89 mini-grids in Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu,
and Narok.
5 mini-grids have been earmarked for construction in Isiolo County, with a total investment
of approximately KES 433.2 million. These are located in Kipsing Eras Ha Boru, Garfasa,
Bassa, and Malkdaka. The Kipsing Mini-Grid Project is expected to provide electricity to
approximately 327 households and seven non-residential consumers, including Kipsing
Primary School, Kipsing Dispensary, shops, and places of worship.