Wajir Gets Power Boost as Government Rolls Out Ksh 7.7 Billion Hybrid Electrification Plan
By Shadrack Mutai – Nairobi, Kenya
The government has stepped up efforts to stabilize electricity supply in Wajir County through a major hybrid electrification programme aimed at improving connectivity and delivering reliable power to thousands of residents.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi announced that the national government has committed more than Ksh 7.7 billion towards expanding electricity access in the county through a mix of rural electrification and renewable energy projects.
Speaking at Bulla Kisumu in Wajir East during the flagging off of electrification materials, Wandayi said the projects are being implemented through partnerships involving the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation, the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project and hybrid power initiatives backed by the French Development Agency.
The CS said the hybridization programme combines diesel-generated electricity with solar energy to reduce power outages, lower operational costs and improve reliability in Wajir and other off-grid counties in northern Kenya.
Under the latest phase, REREC will implement seven new electrification projects in Wajir East Constituency at a cost of Ksh 80.07 million, targeting at least 527 household connections.
Among the flagship projects launched is the County Commissioner’s Residence Electrification Project, which will also benefit Arqam Mosque and a local madrassa through new single-phase and three-phase power connections.
Wandayi also commissioned the Bulla Kisumu Electrification Project, set to connect 166 households alongside Bulla Kisumu Mosque and five Quran madrassa institutions.
According to government data, electricity access in Wajir County has steadily improved through rural electrification drives and expansion of off-grid solar mini-grids aimed at delivering clean and affordable energy to remote communities.
Ahmed Abdullahi welcomed the initiative, saying improved electricity connectivity and stability were already transforming businesses, institutions and households across the county.
Wajir East MP Adan Daud thanked the national government for supporting development projects in the region and pledged cooperation from residents to ensure smooth implementation of the electrification works.
