The Government has accelerated its program for electricity access expansion in Northern Kenya through a big investment of KSh8. 4 billion aimed at connecting approximately 53, 300 households to the national power grid.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Habaswein Solar PV, BESS, Diesel Hybrid Power Plant in Wajir South Constituency, President William Ruto said the programme is one of the government’s targeted development initiatives to speed up development of historic marginalized regions.
The power plant recently opened to the public, at a KSh639 million construction cost, is anticipated to provide dependable, economical, and environmentally, friendly energy to more than 8, 565 households in Habaswein and the envisaged surrounding localities.
According to President, the provision of electricity is something important in improving livelihoods, raising levels of education and health services, as well as opening up the country economically by way of creating business and job opportunities.
He added that this initiative is a sign of the government’s resolve towards comprehensive development that leaves no part of the country behind in the national development plan.
“Under our affirmative action programme for Northern Kenya, we are investing KSh8.4 billion to connect more than 53,300 households to electricity, advancing our commitment to inclusive development and ensuring that no part of our country is left behind.” he remarked
The hybrid power plant is a combination of solar photovoltaic technology, battery energy storage systems (BESS) and diesel generation as a last resort, ensuring a reliable and environmentally friendly energy supply.
The community will enjoy not only better power supply for their homes schools health facilities and businesses but also access to different economic niches that will be unlocked because of the project.
This initiative is one of the main components of the overall strategy to mitigate infrastructure deficits and promote equal development in Northern Kenya.