As the sun rises over Chirichiro village in Nyamira County, Kenya, it casts a warm glow across the remote communities long defined by darkness.
Isaac Nyaguka Kerage has lived without electricity for decades and like many other households in this hilly village, his family relied on alternative and costly options restricting economic activity and denying youths like himself opportunities that rely on reliable power.
Today, Kerage and his fellow youths can now breath a sigh of relief following electrification projects undertaken by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) in the area that include markets, tea buying centers, churches, schools as well as households.
Speaking to KBC Kerage a student at Kisii Polytechnic studying plumbing said the arrival of electricity in his village is more than just a basic service noting that youths can now undertake businesses that rely on electricity.
He noted that many young people in the area have been unable to access modern skills training or start small businesses due to lack of power.
“Electricity will empower young people to start businesses like barber shops and cyber cafés and help reduce crime among the youth,” said Kerage.
Since inception, the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation has invested Ksh.150B in rural electrification boosting access from 4% in 2008 to over 75% today.
With electrification, youth are expected to venture into income-generating activities such as welding, barbering, electronics repair, and small-scale agro-processing, while others can now pursue technical skills that require electricity, including ICT and device repair.
Speaking to Nyamira residents, the Chief Executive Officer REREC, Rose Mkalama said the impact of rural electrification goes beyond household lighting, adding that it is a critical driver of youth empowerment and economic transformation.
Mkalama noted that ‘Electricity is not just power; it’s an opportunity’. “From small businesses to longer study hours for our children, access to electricity will transform lives and create brighter futures.” she said.
She called on parents and guardians to empower the youth with opportunities that rely on electricity saying “When electricity comes, jobs should follow. Let’s empower our youth with opportunities in wiring, installation, and other electrification works.”
The REREC CEO highlighted the positive impact of electricity on education noting that access to electricity increases study time improving learning.
“More electricity means more study time. I encourage parents to take children to school. Connection to power will give our children more time to study and excel in school,” she said.
At the same time, the CEO cautioned residents against fraudsters posing as agents offering electricity connections for a fee.
“Do not pay anyone to connect electricity. Government connections are free. Ensure your home is properly wired by a certified electrician and always verify credentials,” she warned.
Further she noted that access to power will enable young people to innovate, start enterprises, and tap into digital opportunities that were previously out of reach, especially in hard-to-reach hilly areas.
The development is also expected to support the growth of micro-enterprises, reduce unemployment, and curb social challenges linked to idleness, including substance abuse among some young people.
Stakeholders behind the project say rural electrification remains a key driver of inclusive economic growth, bridging the gap between rural and urban economies by enabling youth to participate in the digital and industrial economy.
A total of Ksh 527.2 million has been invested in electrification projects across Nyamira County with 76 electrification projects targeting 7,801 households. The initiative is a joint effort between the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) and Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) aimed at expanding access and inclusion as well as drive socio-economic development in the region.
