The government has connected Wasini and Mkwiro islands to the power grid in an historical endeavour that ai,s to accelerate economic growth, thanks to the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC).

Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said the mini power grid would connect the island and off-grid regions, benefitting more than 600 residents of Mkwiro and Wasini Island. He termed it a game changer to the economy of the two islands.

“This project will serve 600 people; it’s a huge benefit because the economy and education sector will benefit from this power project, we thank REREC for steering this project which is solar powered, we promise the residents that the power will be affordable,” he said.

It is the first time the two islands are getting electricity since independence. The areas have lagged behind due to a lack of electricity, which plays a crucial role in the socioeconomic growth of the people.
Poverty has devoured residents who miss energy to power up machines for processing and manufacturing industries thus encountering loses.

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani said the installation has ended the suffering of the locals and has unshackled them from the chains of poverty. She said soon the areas will be lit up and become business hubs to create jobs and improve the local economy. The area is predominantly occupied by the Ashiraz community majority who depend on fishing as a livelihood.

“We feel like we have attained our independence, we have been in the darkness since independence, this is a game changer and we are happy that we can build the economy like other Kenyans,” said Achani.

Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet secretary Salim Mvurya said the power connectivity will help fishermen store their fish catch under refrigeration and boost their livelihoods. The connectivity is part of the REREC’s Sh169.9 billion 2023-27 Strategic Plan to connect 1 million Kenyans to electricity.

The strategic plan also targets to electrify the remaining public facilities and households through grid extension and renewable energy options such as installation of solar PV / wind systems in the off-grid areas. At the Kenyan coast, for example, REREC through direct funding from the exchequer is implementing 73 rural electrification projects in six counties.

These are Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, and Taita–Taveta at a total cost of Sh604.3 million during the 2022/2023 Financial Year.

The project was commissioned by President William Ruto accompanied by his deputy Rigathi Gachagua who pledged to Sh700 million to help Kwale beach management units in Kwale to train and rebuild fish landing sites. “We have given them Sh700 million for the BMUs to tap into the ocean resource, and that’s why we are planning to put up fish landing sites, train and empower the people to ensure they grow their economies,” said Ruto.

The president also announced that the Sh2 billion Shimoni port will be completed in the quest to improve the blue economy in the region and the country at large.