Kakamega's Sikuli Market gets power as government targets 40,000 households

The development is part of the government’s plan to expand electricity access across Kakamega County, with Sh2.5 billion allocated to connect about 40,000 households to electricity. [Benard Lusigi, Standard]

Hundreds of residents and business owners in Likuyani Constituency are set for a major economic turning point after the government officially commissioned the Sikuli Market electrification project.

The project, implemented by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme, is set to connect electricity to approximately 125 rural households, local businesses, and public facilities.

The development is part of the government’s plan to expand electricity access across Kakamega County, with Sh2.5 billion allocated to connect about 40,000 households to electricity.

The Sikuli Market grid extension involved the construction of 3.34 kilometres of low-voltage distribution lines and the installation of a centralised transformer substation to facilitate individual connections to homes and businesses.

The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, accompanied by area MP Innocent Mugabe.

Speaking during the event, Wandayi said the government was committed to addressing regional disparities in development and ensuring that communities in remote areas benefit from national resources and infrastructure.

“We have made it clear with President Ruto's firm instructions that all regions must get equal distribution of natural resources and development. This project is going to uplift the lives of our people even in our villages and we are going to connect all people with power,” said Wandayi.

The CS said access to electricity was an important driver of social and economic development, particularly in rural areas where many households and enterprises have faced challenges due to lack of reliable power.

Mugabe welcomed the project, saying electricity connectivity would provide residents with an opportunity to improve their livelihoods and expand their businesses.

“This project has been made a success due to President Ruto's commitment and we want politics of development, not tribalism and favouritism. It is time for all Kenyans to enjoy development and we are going to ensure all remote areas are connected with power to effectively do their business without facing hurdles,” said Mugabe.

The MP also pledged his support for President William Ruto's re-election bid, saying continued support for the administration would help facilitate more development projects for residents.

Among the first beneficiaries of the new power grid is Jane Ombima, a resident of Sikuli Market, who has received a direct household electricity connection.

Local officials said the connection would provide immediate benefits to John Ombima and other residents, including improved household safety, convenience and productivity.

“We are very happy to finally have electricity in our homes. This will make our lives easier, improve security at night and allow us to run our businesses for longer hours. We thank the Government for bringing this project to Sikuli Market,” said Ombima.

The project is also expected to transform economic activities within Sikuli Market by enabling small businesses to operate for longer hours and access modern technologies.

Energy officials and economic analysts said improved electricity access would enhance the use of information and communication technologies (ICT), create opportunities for small enterprises and contribute to the wider transformation of the rural economy.

For traders, electricity is expected to support businesses such as shops, salons, eateries and other enterprises that depend on reliable power to operate efficiently.

REREC continues to oversee the implementation of last-mile electricity distribution projects as the Government seeks to bring more off-grid and underserved communities onto the national electricity network.