Kenyan Government Allocates Sh1.4 Billion To Expand Electricity Access In Kisumu

The government has allocated Sh1.4 billion in the current financial year to scale up last-mile electricity connectivity across Kisumu County. The move marks a major advance in expanding energy access, stimulating local enterprise, and positioning the county as a rising hub for inclusive growth and industrial development.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, speaking in Miruka village in North Nyakach Ward, said the investment is part of a nationwide push to connect long-marginalised communities to reliable power. He noted that areas such as Miruka have remained without electricity since independence, limiting economic opportunities and affecting livelihoods for generations.
The Ministry of Energy has outlined a phased rollout that will run through the current financial year. The programme will expand medium and low voltage power lines to reach rural and peri-urban communities. It will also involve the installation of new transformers to stabilise supply, the distribution of pre-paid and smart meters to improve billing and service delivery, and strengthened coordination between the national government, Kisumu County, Kenya Power, REREC, and community representatives to ensure smooth implementation and equitable coverage.
Nyakach Sub-County alone has received more than Sh200 million for the expansion. The Energy Ministry is in discussions with the National Treasury to secure additional funding to close remaining connectivity gaps across the county.
The electrification initiative will be supported by complementary measures intended to strengthen safety, affordability, and long-term sustainability. These include community engagement forums to sensitize residents on connection procedures, safety protocols, and efficient power use. The rollout will also feature subsidized connection packages for low-income households, strict adherence to national safety and quality standards during line extension works, and capacity-building programmes for local technicians to grow skilled labour and support ongoing maintenance.
The Sh1.4 billion investment is expected to unlock a wide range of economic and social benefits. Households are set to gain more reliable access to electricity, which will improve living conditions, strengthen security, and support digital connectivity. Businesses are projected to benefit from increased productivity, particularly small manufacturers, agro-processors, and service providers who rely on stable electricity to operate efficiently. The project is also expected to create jobs through construction works, local contracting, and expanded commercial activity. Investor confidence is likely to grow as power reliability improves. More businesses are also expected to adopt modern technology, which will open opportunities for local entrepreneurs in sectors such as retail, hospitality, value-added agriculture, and light industry.
Communities across Nyakach, Muhoroni, Kisumu West, Seme, and surrounding areas are expected to experience better livelihoods, stronger social services, and increased prospects for youth employment as the project progresses. Government officials view the electrification effort as a key driver of community empowerment and long-term stability.
The expansion of power access aligns with Kenya’s broader national goals for industrialization, inclusive growth, rural development, and economic diversification. It also supports the country’s push to strengthen energy security and invest in strategic infrastructure capable of unlocking local and regional economic potential. Officials say the project demonstrates the government’s commitment to responsible energy management, equitable benefit distribution, and sustainable development.
CS Wandayi said the initiative provides a clear roadmap for lighting up all homes and reflects the administration’s intention to ensure that communities across Kenya benefit from national progress in a fair and transformative way.