When Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) embarked
on works in Nyakach District in Kisumu County in 1990s it was a remote area
with poor infrastructure.
Roads were dilapidated while schools were in pathetic
condition. Villagers suffered acute water shortage and waterborne diseases were
endemic.
Residents thought KenGen had only come to put up a power
plant and a transmission line. However, the area today has undergone
transformation after the construction of Sondu Miriu power station.
Nyakach now has good roads, schools and residents’ access
clean water and better health services.
KenGen has renovated Thurdibuoro Primary School, AIC
Thurdibuoro Secondary School, Aomo Primary School, Apondo Primary School and
AIC Thurdibuoro church.
The infrastructure has opened up business opportunities.
Clean water is available to more than 25,000 Sondu residents, which has saved
women from trekking several kilometers in search of the commodity while youth
earn a living by selling water to families in far-flung villages.
Bright children from disadvantaged families benefit from
scholarships offered by the company.
Several residents have been employed as casual workers by
KenGen. Kusa Health Centre now operates 24 hours thanks to availability of
electricity.
The company has dedicated its social responsibility
activities to enhance the living standards of residents.