Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi interacts with officials during the launch of an electrification project targeting more than 250 households in Esitimba and Shiabalika villages, Khwisero Constituency, on Monday, August 17, 2026. [Courtesy]
More than 250 households in Esitimba and Shiabalika villages in Khwisero Constituency are set to be connected to the national electricity grid under a new rural electrification drive.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi on Monday, August 17, flagged off electrification materials for the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) project targeting the two villages.
The rollout follows the connection of 279 households in nearby Usukuti village, where residents are already using electricity for domestic needs and small businesses.
In Kakamega County, the government is targeting 40,000 new household connections in the current financial year, in a programme valued at Sh2.5 billion.
Khwisero Constituency alone has been allocated Sh350 million to connect about 6,000 households.
The event also featured political remarks, with Wandayi criticising opposition leaders for what he termed disrespect toward President William Ruto.
"Any nation that needs to develop must respect the president. Those seeking the same seat should be humble and respectful if they want to be elected," Wandayi said.