More than 4,000 households in Matungu Constituency, Kakamega County, are set to benefit from expanded electricity access following a KSh165 million government allocation under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi announced the funding on Saturday, October 31, 2026, during the commissioning of an electricity connectivity project at Khalaba Village, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding power access in underserved communities.
The allocation forms part of KSh2.5 billion earmarked for electricity connectivity projects across Kakamega County during the 2026/2027 financial year.
Wandayi said the initiative was aimed at improving living standards, strengthening essential public services and creating economic opportunities for residents through reliable electricity access.
Schools and Health Facilities Already Connected
As part of the initial phase, the government connected Matungu Kenya Medical Training College, Khalaba Dispensary and Khalaba Secondary School to the national electricity grid.
The project also extended electricity connections to 162 households, marking an important step towards improving access to power in the constituency.
Wandayi noted that electrification would strengthen healthcare delivery by enabling medical facilities to operate more efficiently while improving learning conditions in schools.
For households and small-scale entrepreneurs, access to electricity is expected to support businesses, create employment opportunities and reduce dependence on costly alternative energy sources.
Government Defends Development Record in Western Kenya
The announcement also provided an opportunity for Wandayi to defend President William Ruto’s development agenda in Western Kenya.
Accompanied by Matungu MP Oscar Naburundi, the CS challenged opposition leaders to demonstrate their development record and declare their preferred presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He maintained that the government’s infrastructure investments demonstrated its commitment to improving livelihoods in the region.
Naburundi welcomed the allocation, saying expanded electricity access would support local businesses, improve public institutions and accelerate economic development in Matungu.
The KSh165 million investment is expected to benefit thousands of additional households as the government advances its broader rural electrification programme across Kakamega County.
The success of the initiative will ultimately depend on timely implementation and ensuring that targeted households receive actual connections to the national grid.
