REA plans to light all schools by next year

Kenya: The Rural Electrification Authority (REA) has initiated an ambitious project to connect some 11,065 primary schools to the electricity main grid by April next year.

REA chairman Simon Gicharu said some 10,157 have been connected to the power grid, representing 48 per cent of the number of public primary schools. He said connecting the remaining schools with electricity would not only facilitate implementation of the Jubilee’s pledge for laptops for Standard One pupils, but also spur development in rural areas.

There are 21,222 public primary schools expected to benefit from the Jubilee Government pet project, aimed at enhancing ICT uptake. Mr Gicharu spoke during commissioning of the electrification project at Ndindiri Primary School in Kilifi South constituency, where he also donated Sh50,000 towards children’s school uniform.

Combating insecurity

He said the ‘minor hitches’ on the laptops roll out must not be interpreted as failure on the side of the Government. The multi-billion-shilling laptop project has faced myriad challenges with the matter now in court after other bidders contested the Sh24.6 billion tender award to a Chinese firm.

Gicharu said all public primary school will have power by mid next year.

He said since its establishment in 2007, REA has spent over Sh50 billion in the electrification of  public facilities and households. He said electricity in rural areas will also help combat insecurity, where locals will be encouraged to start small businesses and secure their homes at night with enough lighting.