Uasin Gishu County has launched the ‘Stima Mashinani’ initiative, a partnership with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), aiming to bring electricity to over 600 households across six sub-counties. This first phase marks a critical push toward raising electricity access from an estimated 65% to a robust 95% by 2030, igniting economic growth, enhancing security, and enriching education in underserved communities.
Key Highlights
- Targeted Electrification Reach: The project will connect over 600 households in six sub-counties: Lelmokwo (Kesses), Siliboi (Ainabkoi), Mobet (Soy), Kapchemaget (Turbo), Kabiyet (Moiben), and Kaptien/Koshin Kaptien (Kapseret).
- Ambitious Connectivity Goals: The drive supports Uasin Gishu’s “Nguzo Kumi” socio-economic empowerment blueprint, aiming to boost countywide electricity coverage from 65% to 95% by the year 2030.
- Funding & Partnerships: The program is funded through REREC’s Matching Fund program, where county contributions are matched shilling-for-shilling. To date, the county secured around Sh60 million, by matching Sh30 million allocated for initial projects. Additionally, there’s intent to increase the fund ceilings from Ksh 5 million to Ksh 20 million per sub-county to accelerate future expansion.
- Strategic Launch Events: The project was officially launched by Governor Jonathan Bii in January 2025, reflecting political will at the county level. National-level support was also evident; in July 2025, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi flagged off complementary electrification works in Turbo and Soy constituencies under REREC’s rural electrification mandate.
Impact on Residents & Communities
- Educational Empowerment: With electricity now within reach, children can study at home comfortably, unaffected by poor lighting. A beneficiary, Salina Sego, expressed gratitude: “My children can now study without challenges.”
- Boosting Livelihoods: Access to electricity opens doors for income-generating ventures. Salina plans to start a poultry business and incorporate irrigation for farming, powered by the new electricity supply.
- Safety & Night Economy: The integration with the Angaza Mashinani program illuminates towns and villages, enhancing security and enabling a 24-hour economy, where businesses can operate around the clock.
- Inclusive Development: Officials emphasized that remote and previously underserved areas are a priority to ensure equitable progress across all communities.
Broader Implications & Forward Strategy
- Regional Economic Resilience: Reliable power supply can propel agribusiness, cottage industries, digital services, and even small-scale manufacturing, diversifying income sources in rural Kenya.
- Educational Improvements: Electrified homes and schools can utilize digital learning tools, improve after-dark study environments, and increase overall student performance and retention.
- Inclusive Growth & Equity: Ensuring that remote areas are not left behind helps narrow rural-urban disparities and promotes social cohesion across the county.
- Strategic Funding Needed: Scaling the initiative requires increased financial firepower, raising the Matching Fund limit could enable the program to roll out faster and more comprehensively.
- Monitoring & Sustainability: For lasting impact, the rollout will need ongoing oversight, maintenance of power infrastructure, engagement with Kenya Power on metering, and community-level ownership of the new systems.
Also read: Ethiopia Expands Renewable Energy to Fight Climate Impacts and Power Millions
Structural Recap (Inverted Pyramid)
- Lead: Electrification of 600+ households; targets 65%→95% connectivity; county-REREC partnership.
- Important Details: Sub-counties served, funding mechanisms, launch timelines.
- Resident Benefits: Study support, business opportunities, security, equal access.
- Broader Context: Economic transformation, education, inclusive policy.
- Outlook: Scaling, monitoring, sustainability, and equitable expansion.
