Kiratina residents in Ruiru constituency, Kiambu, can now heave a sigh of relief after a promise that the area that has been in darkness for years will be lit.
Area MP Simon King’ara who toured the remote area in Gatong’ora ward together with Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) officials on Monday divulged that plans have been laid to connect the village to the national grid.
King’ara said areas that have never been connected with electricity in the village include Upper Kiratina, Kilimambogo 2 and Eagle Estate, their days of using lantern lamps are coming to an end.
“We have four electricity connection projects in the entire Gatong’ora ward but we will start with Kiratina village as we promised. Every homestead will be connected with electricity. This village is in the interior and remote area of the constituency and residents have been in the dark for a long time. We however have good news for them, that their days of staying in the dark are over,” King’ara said.
The MP said lighting up the village will transform it and boost the region’s economy since residents who are mostly traders will have a conducive and secure environment to operate in.
“Lack of electricity in this village has been the main reason behind its underdevelopment. Also it has been the major cause of insecurity since thugs have been taking advantage of the darkness to rob residents. We expect that this area will witness massive transformation and development,” he said.
King’ara said his office will also embark on a programme to erect street lights to boost security and enhance businesses. “We want our people to have a safe and serene environment to work and live in,” he said.
Kiratina residents led by George Waruinge welcomed the new development saying it will help address major challenges in the area including insecurity.
“There has been a sharp rise in cases of insecurity in this area for the last few months. Thugs have been breaking into houses or waylaying residents especially during evening and night hours. All this has been happening because of the darkness brought about by lack of electricity. We are however elated that this will now be a thing of the past,” he said.
Waruinge said trade in the village will boom as they will be working for longer hours as opposed to before where they have been closing their enterprises as early as 7pm.
“Thugs have been taking advantage of the cover of darkness to mug or rob residents in this area forcing most of them to close shops early. We now have hope that businesses will thrive and grow because traders will be working for longer hours,” he said.
The residents however called on the area leaders to initiate roads projects to open up the region saying the area has expansive land tracts that are ideal for investments.
-Edited by SKanyara