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Post Date: March 3, 2023
Homa Bay and REREC Partner to Light Rural areas
The County Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) aimed at enhancing electricity connectivity within the county.
The agreement will see the County Government contribute a KES 40 million matching fund, in line with REREC’s objective of connecting key facilities in the upcoming financial year.
Governor Wanga expressed her delight at the collaborative framework, stating that it will ensure that people in the deepest parts of the county have access to electricity.
“We have agreed to partner and serve our people to enable them to access electricity. The partnership will equally maximize on exploiting renewable energy,” She was speaking to the press after signing the deal.
REREC Chief Executive, CPA Peter Mbugua, who led the delegation to Homa Bay, pledged to foster a partnership with the county on renewable energy and to continue supporting various projects in the Islands within the county.
“We are keen on connecting key facilities including health dispensaries and schools to ensure we provide this essential commodity to the people in these rural areas,” Mbugua said, adding that they will soon be commissioning projects in the Islands such as Remba, in lake Victoria.
As part of the partnership, the county government has set aside land for the purposes of setting up an energy center and a climate change resilience hub.
“This partnership is a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance access to reliable electricity, which is crucial for the social-economic development of our county,” said Governor Wanga.
CEO Peter Mbugua also reiterated REREC’s commitment to collaborating with the county on various renewable energy projects in the Islands.
The partnership between the County Government and REREC is expected to accelerate the pace of electricity connectivity in the region, particularly in areas that have been underserved for years. This is a welcome development as access to reliable electricity has been identified as a key driver of economic growth and development.
According to the governor, the move towards renewable energy is also a step in the right direction as the county seeks to reduce its carbon footprint and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Wanga noted that the establishment of an energy center and climate change resilience hub is a clear indication that the county government is serious about its commitment to sustainable development.
In her closing remarks, the county boss expressed her gratitude to the REREC for their willingness to partner with the county.“We are delighted to partner with REREC in this noble endeavor. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has access to affordable and reliable electricity.”
The signing of this MoU marks the beginning of a new chapter in the efforts to enhance electricity connectivity and promote renewable energy in the County.
It is a clear indication of the commitment of both the County Government and REREC towards improving the lives of the people in the region.
