The Government has stepped up its nationwide electrification drive with plans to connect 7,377 households across Embu County to electricity at a cost of Sh805 million, underscoring a deliberate intervention to expand access to power as a catalyst for economic growth and social transformation. The project forms part of the Kenya Kwanza Administration’s commitment to universal electricity access under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
A significant share of the allocation will benefit Mbeere North Constituency, which has historically lagged behind in electricity connectivity despite hosting the Seven Forks Dams, a critical source of Kenya’s hydropower. For years, residents have decried the lack of power as a major impediment to enterprise development, service delivery, and improved livelihoods.
Speaking during the flagging off of electricity materials at Siakago Market, State Department for Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira said the government is addressing the disparity through the Last Mile Connectivity Programme, with 2,450 households in Mbeere North earmarked for connection in the coming months. The rollout will initially cover seven project areas, including Mathai, Mianjatiri, and Kathuthiri.
The PS revealed that Sh336 million has been allocated to Mbeere North in the current financial year alone, noting that the programme is central to achieving universal electricity access not just in Embu, but across the country. He emphasized that reliable power supply is essential for stimulating rural economies, attracting investment, and supporting value addition in agriculture and small-scale manufacturing.
Wachira further assured residents that the government has secured adequate funding and that agencies such as the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) and the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) are fast-tracking procurement of poles, cables, transformers, and conductors to ensure timely implementation.
He noted that many parts of the country will soon witness intensified activity as last-mile connectivity projects accelerate, positioning electricity as a key enabler of job creation, digital inclusion, and improved access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and water.
On his part, Mbeere North MP Leonard Muthende welcomed the arrival of the materials, saying it had dispelled claims that the government had failed to honour its pledges. He added that the area has also been promised an additional Sh600 million to connect 4,000 more households and public facilities, including schools and hospitals, marking a decisive step toward inclusive development and long-term economic transformation in the region.
