Maragua MP Mary Waithera, Energy PS Alex Wachira and REREC's Mt. Kenya regional manager Fredrick Nyamai during the launch of Kanderendu power project in Maragua, Murang'a/ ALICE WAITHERA

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The government is implementing power projects worth Sh125 million that are set to significantly raise electricity coverage in Maragua constituency

The projects will light up homes and boost security.

Some 1,545 households will be connected to the national grid thus unlocking economic opportunities in previously unserved areas.

The initiatives fall under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme and are being implemented by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) and Kenya Power.

Key projects include the Gathera Market Last Mile Electrification Project, which will connect about 100 households to electricity. There is also the Kanderendu power project that is expected to link approximately 150 households to the national grid.

The projects, which will provide reliable power to homes, businesses and public institutions. They are expected to improve livelihoods by enabling farmers to adopt modern techniques. Residents will also be encouraged to establish small enterprises within their localities.

Speaking during the commissioning of the projects, Maragua MP Mary Waithera said the developments will significantly raise electricity coverage.

“When I was elected in 2017, electricity connectivity in the constituency stood below 30 per cent. I am pleased that we have since achieved over 65 per cent connectivity and remain committed to ensuring that no household is left behind,” she said.

Waithera described the government’s investment in rural electrification as a major step towards achieving 100 per cent electricity access.

“Electricity improves security, supports farming activities and enables businesses such as welding workshops, shops and small factories to thrive,” the MP said.

Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira said the projects are part of the government’s intensified push towards universal electricity access.

He said the national government has allocated Sh1.07 billion to electricity projects in Murang’a county, targeting the connection of some 13,079 households to the national grid.

Wachira said the government has made progress in strengthening the power sector, including reducing electricity transmission and system losses from 23.74 per cent in 2022 to 21.7 per cent.

“The reduction of losses is part of reforms aimed at minimising energy wastage across the national grid. When transmission losses go down, the cost of power reduces and consumers ultimately pay lower electricity bills,” he said.

The government is targeting a further reduction of system losses to 16 per cent in the coming years as efficiency measures are scaled up.

In Gathera, the PS explained that a 3.2km low-voltage network will be constructed and 103 single-phase connections installed to serve households and businesses around Gathera shopping centre.

More than 20 electricity projects are currently being implemented in Maragua constituency by REREC and Kenya Power.

Wachira also flagged off materials for the construction of a low-voltage line that will connect 64 households in Kariaini market in neighbouring Kigumo constituency, further expanding access to reliable electricity.

Across Murang’a County, more than 37,000 households have been connected to power in the last three years, with a target of at least 50,000 connections by the end of the year under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme.

However, the PS raised concern over continued theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure, particularly aluminium conductors and transformers. He said the vice significantly contributes to system losses and power interruptions.

“The theft of power infrastructure remains high. We urge the public to work with authorities to curb vandalism so that communities can continue enjoying reliable electricity,” he said.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to sustained investment in rural electrification as a key driver of economic growth and improved livelihoods.