New dawn for Mbeere as power connections reach remote homes

An elated Joel Mbaka says the Last Mile Electrification project has driven away darkness that prevailed in his home for many decades/HANDOUT

‎Deep in Mbeere, Embu County, villagers are celebrating after the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity project connected many homes to power supply, for the first time.

‎For years, residents said politicians promised to “bring electricity,” but once elections ended, the pledges faded, leaving only memories of what could have been.

‎However, when President Ruto toured the area last April, locals said they became confident the project would finally be delivered under his administration.

‎In his third State of the Nation Address on November 20 last year, President Ruto identified electricity connectivity as a key pillar in a broader plan to transform the country into a first-world economy.

‎The roadmap includes increasing power generation by 10,000 MW within seven years and connecting 280,000 households under the Universal Access to electricity programme by 2030 to drive growth and economic development.

‎“The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, which are the engine of our economy, benefit immensely from reliable power, enabling them to operate efficiently and expand their reach. Universal access is therefore critical to achieving economic inclusivity,” President Ruto said recently.

‎In Kiametho village, Mbeere South Sub-County, 65-year-old Joel Mbaka could not hide his joy as he narrated, alongside his wife, Sylvia, the transformation brought by the recently completed Last Mile Electricity Project.

‎“I don’t know what to say. We were used to darkness at night, but now there is so much light,” he said, adding: “We never thought we would live to see electricity here because we had waited for many years and had even given up.”

‎In a nearby homestead, Nancy Karwana, a retired teacher, broke into song and dance with neighbours, praising President Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki for fulfilling their campaign promise.

‎Karwana said the area had long been marginalised by successive governments, noting that the current administration had restored hope.

"We were used to darkness, but now we have power,” she said.

‎“We had lost hope because we thought we would never have light. I am very old, I was born during the time of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. We have relied on kerosene and wick lamps to light our homes,” she added.

‎The retired teacher recalled how residents travelled more than 30 kilometres to Embu Town for basic services such as photocopying and printing.

“We saw electricity in Embu, which is far from here, and we had lost hope,” she said.

‎“The moment government teams arrived to install connections, we were filled with joy, we sang and danced. Life will now be easier, and we will live like other Kenyans,” she added.

‎Rt Canon Nyagah of Kiametho village said the project creates new opportunities, especially for youth, to generate income through ventures such as welding and internet services.

‎“We are grateful the project was completed and we now have electricity. Children no longer rely on lamps to study, and that is a great blessing,” he said.

‎“Women used to travel far to have their hair done, but now electricity is here. Some will open beauty shops and barbershops. Electricity is wealth for the youth, women, and the entire community,” he said.