Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira Speaking at a public forum held at the Ganda Chief’s Office in Malindi Constituency, Kilifi County on January 22, 2026. Photo by Ben Okweingoti. 
By Ben Okweingoti.
Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira has urged Kenyans to support the government’s divestiture programme, saying it will unlock much-needed financing to accelerate electricity expansion under the Last Mile Connectivity Project.
Speaking at a public forum held at the Ganda Chief’s Office in Malindi Constituency, Kilifi County, Wachira said proceeds from the sale of government shares in select state-linked firms, including Safaricom, will be used to settle existing loans and free up resources to connect more households to the national grid.
He noted that electricity remains a critical driver of economic growth, with demand rising steadily across the country as households, enterprises and public institutions seek reliable power.
Wachira announced that Sh2.2 billion has been earmarked to connect 25,359 households in Kilifi County, with Sh195 million allocated to reach 2,304 homes in Malindi alone.
The electrification programme is being funded through a partnership involving the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the European Union (EU), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Kenya, implemented through the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC).
Highlighting the transformative impact of electricity, the PS cited cases from local communities, including a young entrepreneur in Mashamba village who has opened a barbershop, while others have ventured into irrigation farming and small-scale enterprises powered by grid electricity.
He was accompanied by Malindi Member of Parliament Amina Mnyazi and REREC Managing Director Dr Rose Mkalama, as the team launched projects in Mashamba, Fundi Hamisi and Mere villages.
The push for divestiture comes amid broader government efforts to raise capital through the market. Earlier this week, the Kenya Pipeline Company unveiled an Electronic Initial Public Offer (E-IPO) seeking to sell 11.81 billion shares valued at Sh163.6 billion. Plans are also under consideration to sell a 15 per cent stake in Safaricom to Vodacom for Sh204.3 billion, though the proposal has faced resistance from some leaders, including Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who argues that the shares are undervalued.
MP Mnyazi welcomed the electrification drive, describing it as a “game changer” for the region, but called for increased allocations, noting that several areas in Malindi and its environs remain off-grid.
Residents expressed optimism about the project, saying access to electricity has reduced crime and opened up new opportunities for young people, from irrigation-based agriculture to small businesses and service enterprises.
