Kericho County is advancing its rural electrification agenda with plans to connect 14,000 households to the national electricity grid, a move aimed at improving living standards and fostering economic growth in remote areas. The initiative, spearheaded by the County Government in collaboration with the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), targets villages across all sub-counties, focusing on communities that previously lacked access to reliable power.
According to County Energy Officer, Eng. Lydia Cheruiyot, the expansion will cover schools, health facilities, and small businesses, creating opportunities for enhanced education, improved healthcare services, and local enterprise development. Electrifying rural homes is not just about light—it is about empowering communities, supporting small businesses, and driving socio-economic transformation, she said. The project also includes training for residents on safe electricity usage and energy conservation.
Residents have welcomed the initiative, highlighting the potential benefits for productivity and household welfare. Small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs in particular anticipate improved access to cold storage, irrigation, and other energy-dependent technologies that can enhance their businesses. County officials indicated that this project forms part of a broader plan to achieve universal electricity access in Kericho and to contribute to the national goal of affordable, sustainable energy for all.