About 5,400 households in Bungoma County are set to get electricity following the launch of the Bumula Energy Centre rural electrification project.

 The project which is a collaborative initiative between Bungoma County Government and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) intends to light up households in the area and ensure reliable power supply for Bumula residents.

Speaking during a pole installation ceremony marking the inauguration of the project in Lunakwe village, Bumula sub-county, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi assured residents that the government has already allocated funds for rural electrification in Bumula which will come at zero costs for families.

Last mile electrification

Wandayi also launched the last mile electrification programme which will provide energy to 132 families in Lunakwe village.

 “The last mile programme in Bumula alone has received funding of Sh269 million from the government for the purpose of electrifying rural areas. It will be done entirely free of charge therefore no one should ask you to make any payments,” the CS said.

Bungoma County Governor Kenneth Lusaka praised the initiative, terming it a transformative development for local communities which will also improve their quality of life.

“During my first term as governor, I secured four and a half acres of land in Bumula, which has been crucial in establishing this energy centre.  REREC has invested Sh260 million into the partnership,” he stated.

 Lusaka emphasised his commitment to ensure all 45 wards in Bungoma County have access to electricity.

 “My administration is dedicated to optimising transformer utilisation across all 45 wards in Bungoma County,” he said.  According to the governor, the initiative will ensure that electricity reaches as many residents as possible, fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

The inauguration ceremony also saw the exhibition of renewable energy technologies and clean cooking solutions which will be available at the Bumula Energy Centre once the project is complete.

 REREC Chief executive Rose Mkalama said the project is expected to be completed within three months. “We want to have success stories from this project. I urge local mamas in this village to make good use of the electricity and invest. You can even create groups and buy posho mills and earn from them,” she remarked.

The unveiling of the project comes almost three months after REREC sought approval of Sh145 billion from the government to facilitate power connections in rural areas.