Kindiki unveils Sh1.1bn projects in Isiolo

The government is racing to deliver electricity and security across Isiolo as part of a bold push to uplift northern Kenya, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said.

During a visit to Merti on Wednesday, Kindiki said power projects worth over 1.1 billion shillings are near completion, while security efforts are being scaled up to protect residents from criminal attacks.

Speaking in Merti, Isiolo North, during a development tour on Wednesday, Kindiki said electricity is a key driver of rural development and the government is focused on fixing power, roads, water, and security to grow the country from the grassroots.

"Electrification is one of the sure drivers for rural development and economic transformation from the bottom upwards," he said.

The DP inspected the Merti Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Plant, a project worth 335 million shillings that is 95% complete and expected to be commissioned in about 30 days.

The plant will provide clean and stable electricity to Merti and surrounding areas.

He said the government is running other electricity projects in Isiolo County worth 1.1 billion shillings, including 711 million under the Last Mile Connectivity and 122 million through the Kenya Off-grid Solarisation Programme.

"In a few weeks’ time, townships and settlements like Kipsing, Bassa, Boru, Kinna, Garfassa, Yamicha, and Malkadaka, and others will be fully lit," Kindiki said.

Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo, who hosted the Deputy President, said the power plant is a major step towards reliable and sustainable energy for the region.

"This transformative project marks a major milestone in our journey toward delivering clean, reliable, and sustainable energy to our communities," said Guyo.

He added that a 27 million shillings Last Mile Connectivity project had just been commissioned in Rapsu–Kinna, connecting 108 households, schools, and health centres to the grid.

The Governor said more off-grid solar projects are being rolled out in Kipsing, Bassa, Kinna, Gafarsa, Yamicha, Malkadaka, and Iresaboru, describing them as efforts that are bringing "light, opportunity, and development" to underserved areas.

The visit also saw the presentation of a 56 million shilling compensation cheque to families affected by human-wildlife conflict in Isiolo.

Guyo said this payment will help restore justice and improve peace between communities and wildlife.

On security, Kindiki said the government is determined to end attacks by criminals and ensure lasting safety for residents.

“Mambo ya usalama tumekazana nayo na hata hio shida bado imebaki lakini tutang’ang’ana nayo tuhakikishe ya kwamba Isiolo yetu na Kenya nzima imekuwa salama,” he said.

Translation: We have struggled with security issues and even that problem still remains but we will strive to ensure that our Isiolo and the whole of Kenya is safe.

He added that northern Kenya had been neglected by previous regimes, but the Kenya Kwanza government is working to unite it with the rest of the country.

“Northern Kenya was neglected for a long time by previous regimes, but we have decided to unite this region with the rest of Kenya because we are one country.”

Kindiki was accompanied by top county and national officials, including Governor Abdi Guyo, Woman Rep Mumina Bonaya, County Assembly Speaker Mohamed Roba, and Principal Secretaries Alex Wachira (Energy), Sylvia Museiya (Wildlife), and Mohamed Liban (Petroleum).