President William Ruto received by REREC CEO Dr. Rose Mkalama during the Nderema Electrification Project launch in Kakamega on March 16, 2026./PCS

Residents of Nderema Village in Navakholo Constituency, Kakamega County, are set to benefit from a new rural electrification initiative aimed at expanding access to electricity in underserved areas.

The project, launched on Monday, March 16, 2026, will connect 161 households to power under the Nderema Village Electrification Project, according to the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC).

President William Ruto and Kakamega leaders listen in as REREC CEO Dr. Rose Mkalama explains the Nderema Electrification Project during the launch in Kakamega on March 16, 2026./PCS

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The launch was presided over by William Ruto, the President of Kenya, as part of the government’s push to expand electricity access in rural communities.

“I am here in Kakamega because I promised the people of Kenya that as we plan development for the country, Kakamega must also be on the list,” Ruto said during the launch.

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President William Ruto during the Nderema Electrification Project launch in Kakamega on March 16, 2026./PCS
Speaking at the event, REREC Chief Executive Officer Rose Mkalama said the Nderema project will cost Sh12.6 million.

“This project is costing us Sh12.6 million. We are going to connect about 161 households, which could grow to about 200 customers,” Mkalama said.

She added that the project is expected to be completed within eight weeks, after which the surrounding community will be connected to electricity.

Dr. Rose Mkalama, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) during the launch./HANDOUT

According to REREC, the electrification programme in Kakamega County is expected to connect more than 90,000 people at a cost of Sh2.3 billion. The number of connections is also projected to increase to about 100,000 through transformer maximisation across the county’s 12 constituencies.

Mkalama said the programme will also connect public facilities, including churches, schools, and shops, which are expected to stimulate economic activity in the area.

“Your Excellency, we shall also be connecting public facilities such as churches, schools, and shops. We expect that as the project progresses, more businesses will emerge. By the time we complete the Sh2.3 billion programme for Kakamega County, we expect significant socio-economic growth,” she said.

President William Ruto speaks during the Nderema Electrification Project launch in Kakamega on March 16, 2026./PCS

The project forms part of the government’s broader rural electrification programme implemented by REREC, a state corporation mandated to expand electricity connectivity in areas that are not commercially viable for power distribution companies.

Through such initiatives, the agency aims to improve livelihoods by enabling households, schools and small businesses to access reliable electricity in rural communities.