New electricity connections open digital, business prospects in Awendo

For residents of Kanyokech Village in Awendo Constituency, electricity is bringing more than light to their homes. It is opening up new possibilities for businesses, education and participation in the digital economy.

A total of 408 households in Awendo have been connected to the national grid through a Last Mile Electrification Project commissioned by Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.

The project has also connected Werer Ogongo Dispensary in Otacho and the Kanyokech Ranen Water Project, expanding access to reliable electricity for essential public services.

Among those hoping to benefit from the new connections is Jerry Odhiambo, an aspiring content creator from Kanyokech, who says reliable electricity will allow him to produce content more consistently and make more frequent livestreams on social media platforms.

For Odhiambo, access to power means fewer interruptions and more time to pursue content creation, which he hopes can eventually provide a sustainable source of income.

His experience reflects a wider expectation that improved electricity access will give young people in the area greater opportunity to explore digital work, online businesses and other income-generating activities.

Small businesses are also expected to benefit from the connections by gaining access to the national grid and reducing reliance on alternative sources of power that can be costly or unreliable.

Students could similarly benefit from improved lighting and greater access to digital learning, while healthcare services at Werer Ogongo Dispensary are expected to improve with a more reliable power supply.

The Kanyokech Ranen Water Project is also expected to benefit from dependable electricity, potentially improving the reliability of water services for residents.

The connections form part of the government's wider Last Mile Connectivity Programme, which seeks to expand electricity access in rural and underserved communities.

In Migori County, the government has allocated Ksh2.7 billion during the current financial year to connect 25,000 households to electricity as part of efforts to expand access and support local economic development.

The Awendo commissioning brought together Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, Awendo MP Walter Owino and senior officials from the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation.

Local leaders say expanded electricity connectivity will help accelerate development by creating an environment where residents can establish and grow businesses and pursue new economic opportunities.

For residents such as Odhiambo, however, the significance of the project goes beyond the number of households connected.

With reliable electricity now reaching homes and public facilities, residents have greater scope to work for longer hours, access digital services, create online content and run businesses.

In Kanyokech and other newly connected parts of Awendo, the hope is that electricity will not only illuminate homes but also power a new generation of economic opportunities.