NYERI, Kenya – President William Ruto has announced that his government will connect at least 10,000 households in Nyeri to electricity within the next seven months as part of a broader initiative to expand energy access across the country.
The President made the announcement on Saturday in Nyeri Town Constituency during his inspection of the ongoing Ruringu Affordable Housing Project.
He revealed that the government has allocated Sh850 million for the project, aimed at improving living conditions for residents.
“Because some parts of Nyeri are still lagging behind, we shall, after the end of this year, add another Sh600 million to ensure electricity reaches every home,” President Ruto told the residents who had gathered to welcome him.
During his five-day tour of the Mount Kenya region, President Ruto pledged billions of shillings for electricity connectivity, fulfilling one of his key campaign promises.
Earlier, on April 2, he launched a last-mile electricity connectivity project in Meru County targeting 20,000 households at a cost of Sh1.8 billion.
Additionally, a separate Sh1.2 billion project in the same region will provide electricity to another 10,000 households.
On April 3, while in Kangema, Murang’a County, the President also announced a Sh1 billion investment to connect over 16,000 residents to the national grid.
“Electricity is not only reserved for the rich; we want all Kenyans to have access to power,” he emphasized.
President Ruto further committed to working closely with local leaders, including Kangema Member of Parliament Peter Kihungi, to identify areas in need of electricity connection.
“I’ve spoken to Kihungi, and he will inform me where residents are still living in darkness,” he said.
The President also promised the construction of Gakira Market in Kangema, alongside 16 other markets across Murang’a County.
These markets will be equipped with essential facilities, including water, electricity, and cold rooms to help farmers store their produce and reduce post-harvest losses.
“We want farmers to have designated spaces where they can sell their produce and avoid post-harvest losses,” President Ruto explained. “The markets will provide a conducive environment for them to sell their goods, and the cold rooms will help preserve their produce.”
