Nairobi: The Government has intensified efforts to expand electricity access in Kajiado County through the implementation of 53 electrification projects under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme aimed at boosting rural development and improving livelihoods. Appearing before the plenary of the Senate of Kenya, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the projects are being implemented jointly by Kenya Power and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) to enhance power connectivity in underserved areas.
According to Kenya News Agency, out of the 53 ongoing projects, five are new electrification schemes while 48 are maximization projects targeting approximately 1,750 additional customers at a total cost of Sh165.7 million. Wandayi noted that the Ministry has adopted several strategies to fast-track implementation, including equitable distribution of resources across constituencies based on electricity access levels and connectivity gaps.
REREC is engaging Members of Parliament through the matching funds programme where electrification costs are shared on a shilling-for-shilling basis depending on budget availability. Kajiado West Constituency has already benefited from the initiative through the installation of solar-powered street lighting worth Sh10 million, aimed at improving security and supporting local businesses.
The Ministry is also providing essential construction materials for ongoing projects while strengthening collaboration between REREC and Kenya Power officers to ensure timely inspection, commissioning, and connection of completed works. Weekly coordination meetings have been established with contractors to monitor progress, address challenges, and ensure adherence to project timelines.
Wandayi expressed confidence that all ongoing electrification projects in Kajiado County could be completed by the end of 2026 if the current implementation strategies are fully maintained. Responding to a question by Kajiado Senator Kanar Seki on household electricity connectivity, the CS reported that 365,277 households in the county are currently connected to the national grid, contributing to a national total of 10.3 million connected households across the country.
On delays in compensation for landowners affected by wayleave acquisition for transmission lines, Wandayi acknowledged challenges but assured that the government is working to resolve outstanding cases. The affected projects include the Kajiado-Namanga line, Sultan Hamud-Merrueshi-Loitoktok line, and the UMMA University-Konza corridor.
A total of 836 Project Affected Persons (PAPs) were identified across the three projects, with compensation processes at various stages of completion. However, 108 PAPs along the Kajiado-Namanga line, 37 along the Sultan Hamud-Merrueshi-Loitoktok line, and 18 along the Isinya-Konza corridor are yet to receive compensation. Wandayi attributed the delays to incomplete documentation, land ownership disputes, and verification procedures required to comply with legal and financial regulations governing public compensation.
He assured Senators that the Ministry is working closely with relevant government agencies to fast-track the verification process and ensure all pending compensation claims are resolved.