Bungoma County, REREC roll out Sh90 million power project

By Peter Ochieng

A new dawn is in the offing for residents of Bungoma County. This is after the County government launched a landmark Sh90 million electricity installation program, in partnership with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC).

The initiative seeks to deliver reliable power to residents across the county’s 45 wards, targeting schools, factories, and security facilities.

Addressing residents during the launch in Kongoli and Matoni on Monday, November 25, 2024, Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka spoke highly of the project’s potential to transform education, boost industrial productivity, and enhance security.

“This program will ensure schools are adequately equipped, factories are powered, and communities feel safer, all of which are critical for Bungoma’s progress.”

In order to make the project a success, Lusaka said his administration will contribute Sh45 million, with REREC taking up the balance. Lusaka said it aligns with Bungoma County’s strategic vision of driving industrial growth, improving service delivery, and uplifting livelihoods.

“Please protect the infrastructure in order to ensure the project’s sustainability for future generations,” he urged locals.

Furthermore, he encouraged entrepreneurs to capitalize on available trade loans to grow their businesses, leveraging the opportunities created by the improved electricity access.

REREC representative said they are mandated with overseeing rural electrification programs and projects, with a view of creating socio-economic transformation in communities across the country.

“Our mandate is also to source funds to ensure that projects such this one are fully implemented. Some of the areas we source funds from include donors and the exchequer," he said.

“In Bungoma county we currently have 44 projects ongoing funded by the Central government, then we have 21 projects which are co-funded with the county government,” he added.

In its initial phase, the project will benefit approximately 580 locals, setting the stage for broader economic and social development across the region.