Embu: The government is set to connect 7,377 households with electricity across Embu County at a cost of Sh805 million.

According to Kenya News Agency, close to half of the allocation will be channelled to Mbeere North Constituency, which has historically been marginalized in electricity connectivity, with residents lamenting the lack of power, despite living next to the Seven Forks Dams, a major source of Kenya's hydropower.

State Department for Energy Principal Secretary (PS) Alex Wachira stated that the issue was being addressed through the Government's Last Mile Connectivity Programme, with a projection to connect 2,450 households in the coming months. Speaking at Siakago Market while flagging off electricity materials, including poles, cables, transformers, and conductors, Wachira mentioned that they are set to commence with seven project areas, including Mathai, Mianjatiri, and Kathuthiri.

Wachira highlighted that Mbeere North has been allocated Sh336 million this financial year to progressively move towards the target of universal access to electricity, not only locally but also nationwide. He emphasized that the government was on course in achieving the last-mile electricity connectivity projects across the country to ensure all Kenyans have access to reliable power supply.

He also noted that the funding is in place, with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) and the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) expediting the procurement of materials. Wachira added that many parts of the country will witness increased activities in electricity connection as part of the Kenya Kwanza Government Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) on universal access to electricity.

Mbeere North MP Leonard Muthende acknowledged the arrival of materials as a fulfillment of the government's promise to the residents, countering previous political claims during the parliamentary by-election campaign last year. Muthende reassured residents that this marked the beginning of numerous projects and urged continued support for the government.

He further mentioned that an additional Sh600 million had been promised by the government to connect another 4,000 households and public facilities, including hospitals and schools, ensuring comprehensive coverage in the area.