The Ministry of Energy has unveiled a major rural electrification programme worth Sh1.4 billion in Kericho County, marking one of the most ambitious power expansion efforts in the region in recent years. The project, rolled out under the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI), aims to connect more than 14,000 households to the national grid by mid-2026. Speaking during the launch, senior officials from the ministry said the initiative is designed to bridge long-standing energy gaps in remote villages, accelerate local development, and support the national goal of universal electricity access.
The programme will prioritise underserved wards across Bureti, Soin/Sigowet, Kipkelion, and Belgut sub-counties, where thousands of families still rely on kerosene lamps and firewood despite previous grid expansions. According to engineers overseeing the rollout, teams have already begun erecting poles, upgrading transformers, and mapping feeder lines to reach clusters of homesteads that were previously left out due to difficult terrain or limited infrastructure. Local leaders welcomed the project, noting that electrification has historically lagged in tea-growing highlands and settlement schemes where scattered households drive up installation costs. The Ministry said the investment is meant to correct such disparities and ensure that all communities, regardless of location, benefit from national development.
Residents and business owners have expressed optimism, saying the new connections will open opportunities for small enterprises, improve security, and boost education as students gain access to reliable lighting. Health facilities in remote areas are also expected to benefit, especially those that have faced challenges storing vaccines or operating equipment due to limited power supply. Looking ahead, the Ministry of Energy says the Kericho project is part of a broader nationwide effort to modernise rural infrastructure and support economic transformation. Officials added that as demand for electricity grows alongside industrialisation and digital services, more investments will be channelled into green energy, grid stability, and last-mile connectivity to ensure long-term sustainability.