Woman's challenge to President Uhuru Kenyatta lights up estate after 50 years of waiting

Kenya power workers put up power poles at Naivasha’s County Council Estate after a resident Ruth Kabura appealed to the president. (Photo:Antony Gitonga/Standard)

As the country continues to bask in its 50 years of independence, residents of Naivasha's County Council Estate are also marking their own milestone, 50 years of darkness.

Ironically, this estate is close to Olkaria, which is the home of geothermal energy, and is sandwiched between Naivasha town, Naivasha GK Prison and the Sh4billion Buffallo Mall, currently under construction, which are all connected to power.

There are numerous electricity poles and cables criss-crossing the low-income estate, which is home to an estimated 1,000 families, but these serve its neighbours.

The estate which consists of Phase One to Phase Seven, popularly known as 'Staff', was once the envy of many in Naivasha but is today a pale shadow of its former glory.

Answered prayer

Apart from electricity, water and sanitation has been a challenge for dwellers with some of the houses and bathrooms already collapsing. Further still, without electricity, many youth have been turned into idlers with their parents hoping and praying that this will one day change.

These prayers were however, answered last week during commissioning of the 140mw geothermal plant in Olkaria by President Uhuru Kenyatta, through 30-year-old Jurren Ruth Kabura who was born and brought up in the estate.

At the function attended by senior Government officers, the President decided to have a question-and-answer session with the public.

For many, this session was meant for the powerful in the country and the pace was set by none other than industrialist Chris Kirubi.

However, as the session was going on, Kabura, as she is known by many, pushed and shoved to get closer to the microphone and her efforts bore fruit.

With hands shaking and voice quivering, she brought the microphone close to her mouth as those who know her bowed their heads unsure what she would say.

"Mr President, you say your Government is committed to rural electrification yet some of us who have lived in an estate in Naivasha town don't have electricity. We come from Naivasha which is home to geothermal power but we have been in darkness for years and we are now seeking your intervention," she said amid applause as those who had bowed their heads joined in the hand-clapping.

And without minting his words, the President directed that the estate be supplied with electricity in one week and even promised to call Kabura to confirm this. From then on, the community worker and volunteer became a hero.

Today, electricity poles, cables and Kenya Power workers have literally invaded the once quiet estate as they work to ensure the President's directive is met.

Not to be outdone, the county government has pledged to undertake the estate's wiring and even announced plans to convert the houses into highrise buildings.

For Kabura, this is a dream come true and she is hopeful that this will revamp the estate.

Speaking to The Standard at the estate, Kabura said that in the past her efforts to get commitment from leaders over the state of the estate have fallen on deaf ears.

"Every function that I have attended I have raised the issue of this dilapidated estate which is my home and I thank the President for hearing my cries," she said.

Address challenges

Area Ward Rep Eunice Mureithi said plans are underway to help the residents in wiring and that the county government has committed to fund the project once a feasibility study is completed.

Admitting that the water and sewerage system are an issue, Ms Mureithi said the county will address these challenges one after the other.

"The county has embarked on a project to put up modern highrise buildings in this estate and the current owners will be the first beneficiaries," she said.

Naivasha MP John Kihagi on his part thanked the President for the directive and said the move will benefit many youths since it will help alleviate idleness.

"We are ready to work with the county government and other agencies in addressing the state of the dilapidated houses," he said.

Kenya Power Naivasha branch Manager David Mugambi said the connection exercise is now in the final stages and will be complete in a week.

Mr Mugambi said most houses in the estates are one-roomed adding that they are getting a socket and a bulb holder as part of the presidential directive.

"Nearly all houses in the estate have been connected to power and it's a matter of days before all residents benefit," he said.