Uasin Gishu County Government Launches Stima Mashinani Initiative to Enhance Rural Electrification
This ambitious program seeks to bridge the energy gap in underserved regions, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents.
The Uasin Gishu County Government has officially launched the Stima Mashinani Initiative, a transformative project aimed at extending electricity access to rural areas across the county. Photo/Jonathan Bii.
By Jessica Nyaboke
The Uasin Gishu County Government has officially launched the Stima Mashinani Initiative, a transformative project aimed at extending electricity access to rural areas across the county.
This ambitious program seeks to bridge the energy gap in underserved regions, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents.
During the launch event held at the County Headquarters, Ann Chebii, a resident of Soy Sub-county, expressed her gratitude, noting how her family, spanning generations, had lived without electricity.
“This initiative has made it affordable for us to access power. My children will now study with ease, our security will improve, and we can grow our businesses,” she said.
The first phase of the Stima Mashinani project will connect over 600 households to electricity. Contractors flagged off during the event will focus on projects in six initial sites, with one project allocated per sub-county.
These sites include Lelmokwo in Kesses, Siliboi in Ainabkoi, Mobet in Soy, Kapchemaget in Turbo, Kabiyet in Moiben, and Koshin Kaptien in Kapseret.
Governor Jonathan Bii highlighted the economic potential of the initiative, stating, “This project will drive economic growth in rural areas by fostering entrepreneurship, enabling access to digital jobs, and supporting product development. It is a key step in our mission to uplift the livelihoods of our residents.”
To accelerate the progress of rural electrification, the Governor also announced plans to lobby for an increase in the matching fund ceiling from Ksh 5 million to Ksh 20 million per sub-county through the Council of Governors.
The Stima Mashinani Initiative is closely aligned with the Angaza Mashinani Program, which aims to illuminate rural and urban centers, enhance security, and promote a 24-hour economy.
Residents extended their gratitude to the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) for their partnership and to Kenya Power (KPLC) for their role in ensuring metered household connections.
This initiative underscores the county’s commitment to improving infrastructure and fostering inclusive development, offering a brighter future for rural communities.
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