Matching Funds: Collaborating with Constituencies and County Governments to Enhance Rural Electrification

Access to electricity in rural areas will be enhanced following the decision by The Rural Electrification Authority (REA) to adopt a participatory planning and action approach to rural electrification. Under this innovative approach, REA will partner with Constituency Development Fund (CDF), County Governments and other stakeholders in sourcing for funds to enhance electrification in rural areas. REA is undertaking these projects in partnership on a 50:50 funding basis.

Dubbed the Matching Funds Project, the agreements between the parties define the structure of cooperation and partnership between the Parties with regard to the implementation of electrification projects where

So far, REA has signed agreements with Kakamega and Tharaka Nithi Counties in June 2018. REA will jointly with the County Governments and CDF, identify projects to be implemented from the funding. Under the agreements, REA has committed to conduct survey and design, prepare technical specifications for the materials, procurement of the materials to be used, undertake the construction and supervision and finally organize for the commissioning and handing over of the projects to Kenya Power & Lighting Company upon completion of construction;

The County Governments and CDF on the other hand shall also undertake to allocate funds for the projects. While signing the agreements at REA Offices, The Governor of Kakamega County, Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya said his government will transfer Sh60 million to REA every year for projects and that transformers will be installed in all the 60 wards in Kakamega County. “The programme will encourage cottage industries in the county, besides enhancing security” the Gorvenor said. REA will provide a similar amount annually towards power connectivity in the county. “Every shilling paid by the county will be matched by REA to ensure successful implementation and coverage of the entire county by 2022” says the Authority’s CEO Mr. Peter Mbugua.

To enable the County Governments and CDF discharge their functions REA shall ensure that the Officers designated by the County Government for the project, work together with the Authority Officers for purposes of capacity building on the various activities and procedures required for the implementation of the project.

The Matching Fund Project was launched in Ruungu and Kanthanga Cini Markets in Tharaka Constituency. Tharaka - Nithi County.