A parliamentary think tank has exposed massive delays in the implementation of the Sh41.76 billion rural electrification programme.
The revelation has now sparked concerns over stalled projects that have left thousands of households without electricity.
The Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) has revealed that only Sh8.86 billion, representing 21 per cent of the programme's total budget, had been spent by March 31, 2026.
This is despite the Rural Electrification Scheme project having been launched more than six years ago.
Consequently, the Senate Energy Committee has opened investigations into the programme.
The lawmakers are accusing the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) of abandoning projects after highly publicised launches.
"REREC launches projects when the President visits, and then everything stalls. Poles stand for years without a single household being connected," Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale said.
The Rural Electrification Scheme commenced in January 2020 and is scheduled for completion in July 2028.
With less than two years remaining before the programme's scheduled conclusion, the low expenditure has raised questions about whether the corporation will deliver the promised electricity connections within the stipulated timelines.
The findings were presented before the Senate Energy Committee chaired by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang during a meeting in Parliament last week.
The parliamentary think tank's report on budget implementation in the energy sector for the 2025-26 financial year prompted senators to demand accountability over stalled projects.
Kisang announced that the committee would undertake targeted investigations in counties where electricity projects have stalled despite the installation of infrastructure.
"We will identify between one and three counties with stalled REREC projects and undertake targeted oversight visits to establish the challenges delaying electricity connections," Kisang said.
The investigations will seek to establish why electricity poles remain standing for years without connections to households and other intended beneficiaries.
Tana River is among the counties earmarked for scrutiny following a request by Senator Danson Mungatana.
The committee agreed to visit the county next month to inspect last-mile connectivity projects and establish the causes of implementation delays.
Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla also raised concerns over unfulfilled electrification commitments made during President William Ruto's visit to Homa Bay in August.
"REREC reached the first school only two days ago. The second stop is still pending and residents are still waiting," Ogolla said.
The committee directed its secretariat to write to the REREC chief executive seeking explanations on the status of the commitments.
The committee directed its secretariat to obtain details of programmes transferred to the National Infrastructure Fund.
The PBO will also prepare a separate analysis of the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project for consideration at the committee's next meeting.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The Parliamentary Budget Office findings expose glaring inefficiencies in Kenya’s rural electrification programme, raising serious questions about accountability and project implementation. With only 21 per cent of the Sh41.76 billion programme spent six years after its launch, prospects of meeting the 2028 deadline appear increasingly uncertain. The revelations suggest a troubling disconnect between political promises and actual delivery, leaving communities stranded as electricity infrastructure remains idle despite repeated government commitments.
