Sh30 Million Electrification Project Sparks Economic Hope in Yamumbi and Langas Ward
“Our children should no longer strain their eyes under lanterns or candles. Electricity is a fundamental need—it enables learning, business, and a sense of safety.” Hon Muya
Hon. Francis Muya and Engineer Njoroge erect an electricity pole as Yamumbi residents look on, marking the official launch of the Sh30 million rural electrification project aimed at transforming lives in Langas Ward.
By Hubzmedia Writer
A major milestone in rural electrification has been reached in Yamumbi, Langas Ward Kapseret Sub county , with the launch of a Sh30 million electricity connectivity project. The initiative, fully financed by the County Government of Uasin Gishu through the Ward Fund, aims to connect over 300 households to the national power grid, improving access to education, security, and economic opportunities across this mixed urban and agricultural community.
Langas Ward MCA Francis Muya Mwangi, currently serving his fourth term and the longest-serving MCA in Uasin Gishu County, led the launch ceremony. He underscored the pressing need for electricity in underserved communities, especially in informal settlements like Langas and the farming areas of Yamumbi.
“It’s disheartening that in the 21st century, parts of Langas and Yamumbi still exist in darkness. We cannot afford to leave our people behind in development. Under the leadership of Governor Jonathan Bii, we are correcting historical neglect and ensuring no household is left out,” Muya declared. “Our children should no longer strain their eyes under lanterns or candles. Electricity is a fundamental need—it enables learning, business, and a sense of safety.”
Muya further revealed that this project is one of six concurrent electrification initiatives underway in Langas Ward. Once completed, these projects will bring electricity access to 100% of the ward, a landmark achievement in local governance. “By the time we’re done, every home, school, and small business in Langas Ward will have electricity. This is the legacy we want to leave,” he added.
Residents, who have long yearned for electrification, say the project marks the fulfillment of a promise first made in 2022. That year, Kenya Power erected poles in Yamumbi, sparking hope across the community. However, the project stalled, and the years that followed were marked by frustration and even vandalism.
“We watched those poles go up in 2022, and we thought, ‘Finally, light is coming,’” said Daniel Mburu, a father of three. “But months passed, then years, and nothing happened. Some poles were even vandalized. People lost hope. But now, to see action—it’s like a dream finally coming true. We feel seen.”
John Macharia, another local resident, expressed relief that security is likely to improve. “Without lights, it’s like inviting criminals into our homes,” he said. “You’d walk outside and feel like you were in a forest. With electricity, we can have lights outside our homes, security cameras, and a sense of control.”
Peris Waruabe, a single mother and aspiring entrepreneur, said electricity will unlock income-generating opportunities for women in the area. “I’ve wanted to start poultry farming for two years now, but I needed power for the incubator and lighting. Now I can finally begin. It’s not just about convenience—this is about survival and dignity.”
Engineer Njoroge, head of business at Kenya Power in Uasin Gishu, emphasized the broader impact of such projects. “Electricity is a game-changer. It supports learning, enables innovation, and catalyzes grassroots enterprise. The government’s target of achieving 100% connectivity by 2030 depends on these localized efforts, and this project is a textbook example of how collaboration works.”
Nationally, Kenya has made major strides in electrification. According to the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), rural electricity access stood at 77.6% by the end of 2023, with plans to reach 100% by 2030. The Last Mile Connectivity Project has played a central role, connecting over 1.2 million households and reducing the number of Kenyans without electricity from 20 million in 2015 to just under 11 million today.
President William Ruto has repeatedly stressed that expanding electricity access is key to decentralizing development. “When we invest in rural electricity, we create jobs and slow down the migration into already overcrowded cities,” noted Eliud Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff for Performance and Delivery Management.
With the Yamumbi project scheduled for completion within a month, residents are eager to witness a new era where electricity is not a privilege, but a right accessible to all.
“This isn’t just about lights,” said Muya in closing. “It’s about powering dreams and transforming futures.”
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