The government has intensified efforts to stabilise electricity supply in Wajir County through a major hybrid electrification programme aimed at improving connectivity and access to reliable power across the region.

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the national government has committed more than Sh7.7 billion towards expanding electricity access in Wajir County through various energy programmes.

Speaking at Bulla Kisumu in Wajir East during the flagging off of electrification materials, Wandayi said the projects are being implemented through partnerships involving the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation, the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project, and hybrid power station initiatives supported by the French Development Agency.

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The CS noted that the hybridisation programme seeks to combine diesel-generated electricity with solar energy in order to reduce power interruptions, lower operational costs, and improve electricity reliability in Wajir and other off-grid counties in northern Kenya.

He revealed that REREC is set to implement seven new electrification projects in Wajir East Constituency at a total cost of Sh80.07 million. The projects are expected to connect at least 527 households to electricity, significantly boosting access to power in the constituency.

Among the key projects launched is the County Commissioner’s Residence Electrification Project, which includes five single-phase and two three-phase service cable connections. The project will benefit the State Lodge County Commissioner’s Residence, Arqam Mosque, and a local madrassa.

Wandayi also commissioned the Bulla Kisumu Electrification Project, which targets the connection of 166 households. The initiative will additionally benefit Bulla Kisumu Mosque and five Quran madrassa institutions, improving access to reliable electricity for residents and learning institutions in the area.

According to government data, electricity access in Wajir County has steadily improved over the years due to ongoing rural electrification programmes and the expansion of off-grid solar systems. The county has also benefited from solar mini-grids established in remote areas to enhance access to clean and affordable energy.

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi welcomed the initiative, saying electricity connectivity and stability had greatly improved in the county, enabling businesses, institutions, and households to operate more efficiently.

Wajir East MP Adan Daud thanked the national government for supporting development projects in the area and pledged cooperation from local residents to ensure the timely completion of the electrification works