Government allocates Ksh.165 million for Matungu electricity connections

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the funds form part of KSh2.5 billion set aside for electricity connectivity projects across Kakamega County during the current financial year.

Speaking at Khalaba Village during the commissioning of a last-mile electricity connectivity project, Wandayi said the government was prioritising rural electrification to improve access to essential services and stimulate economic activities.

The commissioned project connected Matungu Kenya Medical Training College, Khalaba Dispensary and Khalaba Secondary School to the national electricity grid, alongside 162 households.

Wandayi said the connections would enhance service delivery in health and education institutions while enabling households and small businesses to expand their economic activities.

He added that the government was committed to improving livelihoods in Western and Nyanza regions through infrastructure investments and other development programmes.

The CS, who was accompanied by Matungu MP Oscar Naburundi, also took the opportunity to criticise the United Opposition, challenging its leaders to declare their presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Wandayi dismissed the opposition's unity efforts, accusing its leaders of lacking a tangible development record and urging residents to support President William Ruto's re-election bid.

He maintained that the government's ongoing development projects in the region demonstrated its commitment to addressing the needs of local communities.

On his part, Naburundi welcomed the electrification initiative, saying improved access to power would create economic opportunities for residents and strengthen public institutions.

The MP noted that electricity connectivity would particularly benefit small-scale entrepreneurs while supporting learning and healthcare services.

The Matungu project forms part of the government's broader rural electrification programme aimed at extending electricity access to underserved communities and improving living standards.