Lights Finally Shine in Yamumbi: Over 300 Households to Receive Power in Sh30 Million Electrification Project

By Wasike Elvis

After decades of living in darkness, over 300 households in Yamumbi, Langas Ward, are set to be connected to electricity, bringing hope, development, and a better quality of life to thousands of residents. The milestone comes through a Sh30 million electrification project launched by the Uasin Gishu County Government in collaboration with the national government and Kenya Power.

The project, which includes the installation of six electricity transformers and over 95% of power poles already in place, is now entering its final phase — the stringing of power cables between the poles. This critical step will pave the way for final testing, connection of supply cables to individual homes, and the installation of meters.

 

A Dream Long in the Making

Langas Ward MCA Francis Muya Mwangi, speaking during the official launch of the stringing phase, said the project marks a historic moment for the people of Yamumbi and surrounding areas.

"When I was first elected as a councillor, not a single home in this area had electricity," Muya recalled. "We were completely in the dark — literally. Today, we can proudly say that through partnership with the national government, the former local authorities, and now the County Government of Uasin Gishu, we have reached a new dawn."

Muya added that all six transformers are already in place, and contractors have been on the ground for more than a month.

"Today, we are beginning the stringing of power lines. Within the next two weeks, this phase will be complete. Kenya Power engineers will then test the system and hand over five of the six transformers in Yamumbi. The sixth will follow shortly after," he stated.

Residents Urged to Complete House Wiring

Muya emphasized that the project has been fully funded, and residents will not bear the cost of the infrastructure. However, he urged households to ensure internal wiring is completed so they can receive power as soon as possible."The only responsibility for residents is to do internal wiring in their homes and purchase tokens once connected. We will return in two weeks to officially launch electricity in this area," he said.

Kenya Power Commits to Timely Completion

Representing Kenya Power, Noel Miyumo reassured the community that the company is committed to completing the project within the promised timelines.

"We have been on the ground from the beginning and are happy with the progress so far. Stringing is underway, and metering will begin immediately after. We urge residents to ensure they’ve completed internal wiring so they can be connected as soon as the infrastructure is ready," Miyumo said.

He added that Kenya Power’s wider mission is to ensure every Kenyan has access to electricity, in line with the national electrification agenda.

Gratitude and Excitement from Longtime Residents

For many residents, the news is both emotional and life-changing. Several shared their personal stories of life before electricity — and their dreams for the future.

David Mwangi, a long-time resident of Yamumbi, has lived in the area since 1968.

"We’ve been using lantern lamps for decades. Buying kerosene and candles was expensive, and dangerous," Mwangi said. "Our children couldn’t study well, and everything was done manually. We had to travel to Langas or Maili to charge our phones. Now I can install a mower, rear more cattle, and even run a small business. We thank our leaders for remembering us."

Margaret Kimum, a mother and community member, said electricity will transform education and security in the area.

"Our children were always sick because of the smoke from lanterns. Studying was difficult in the dark. Now, they’ll have proper lighting, and we’ll feel safer at night. The presence of electricity also means small businesses can thrive, and youths will have more opportunities," she said.

Another emotional voice was that of Kimani Mwangi, who has lived in Yamumbi for nearly six decades."Since 1968, we have never seen electricity here. I used to pay Sh20 every day to light a lantern we called Kamenumenu. Now, I’ll be able to shell maize at home and charge my phone without walking for hours. I’m speechless. I thank the MCA and all the leaders involved in this."

A Step Toward 100% Connectivity

The electrification of Yamumbi is part of a broader plan by both the county and national governments to achieve 100% electricity connectivity in rural and peri-urban areas. The project is expected to spark socio-economic development, improve education, boost health outcomes, enhance security, and open up job opportunities.

According to MCA Muya, similar projects are being rolled out across other parts of Langas Ward.

"We are committed to ensuring no one is left behind. Electricity is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. This is just the beginning. We will continue pushing for more development and better services for our people."

As the cables are strung and transformers readied for commissioning, the people of Yamumbi are finally seeing the light — not just from bulbs, but from a brighter future.