In a significant boost for rural electrification, the Bungoma County Government, in partnership with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), has officially launched the Bumula Energy Centre project. This ambitious initiative is set to illuminate around 5,400 households in Bungoma County, bringing reliable power supply to the residents of Bumula.
During the inauguration ceremony held in Lunakwe village, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi delivered an optimistic message to the community. “We’re committed to ensuring that everyone has access to electricity without any financial burden. Our government has allocated funds for rural electrification, which means there’s no cost for families in this initiative,” he assured attendees.
The event also marked the initiation of the last mile electrification program, specifically designed to connect an additional 132 families in Lunakwe village to the power grid. Wandayi revealed, “For the last mile program alone, we have allocated Sh269 million specifically to bring electricity to rural areas. Thus, residents can rest easy, knowing this is a free service offered by the government.”
Bungoma County Governor Kenneth Lusaka praised the launch, emphasizing how it represents a transformative step for local communities. “Securing land for the energy center was a pivotal part of my first term as governor, and now with REREC investing Sh260 million into this project, we are set to enhance quality of life,” he stated, highlighting his administration’s dedication to ensuring electric connectivity across all 45 wards in the county.
The inauguration ceremony wasn’t just about power lines; it also showcased renewable energy technologies and clean cooking solutions that will become available at the Bumula Energy Centre once completed. “This is just the beginning,” REREC Chief Executive Rose Mkalama noted. She emphasized the importance of local entrepreneurship: “I encourage women in this community to utilize this electricity to invest in businesses, such as buying posho mills to generate income.”
These developments come at a time when REREC has sought a Sh145 billion approval from the government to bolster rural electrification efforts, indicating a broader commitment to bring modern energy solutions throughout Kenya’s rural landscapes.
With the Bumula project, the future looks bright for rural communities in Bungoma, paving the way for economic growth and an enhanced quality of life. The initiative not only promises to light up homes but also to empower residents by fostering entrepreneurial opportunities that are bound to flourish.
As we look forward to the completion of this project, it invites a broader reflection on the importance of sustainable energy solutions in Africa and their potential to transform lives.
