Sh800 million street lighting project launched in Kisumu city

Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma (left) is assisted by a Kenya Power official at the launch of street lighting project near Oile Park yesterday. [PHOTO: RUSHDIE OUDIA/Standard]

Traders in Kisumu can now operate at night following the launch of a Sh800 million street lighting project.

The project by Kenya Power company has seen street lights installed in the central business district, estates and other informal settlements.

Kenya Power Western Region Manager Dan Obiero said the process of putting up the street lights would be completed by the end of this month.

He asked residents to be vigilant and protect street lamps from vandals.

Antony Kwache, an entrepreneur in Kisumu, lauded the project saying it was a bold step towards achieving the 24-hour economy.

“It is a good thing for our sector, especially for traders who operate in the CBD as this will add extra hours for us and also guard against insecurity,” said Mr Kwache.

He called on Governor Jack Ranguma to ensure that traders now get permanent and secure work sites for them to operate, after most of them were evicted from Oile market.

The county government has also advertised for installation of  flood lights and street lights in all major markets in  sub-counties.

23 floodlights

Twenty-three floodlights had been installed across the city through the French-funded Kisumu Urban Project. Eight more and 700 street lights are set to be installed in Kisumu city under the same programme.

There is also the World Bank’s project, which is a grant to Kisumu County government, that would see installation of 41 flood lights in informal settlements.

While launching the project yesterday next to Oile Park, Mr Ranguma said the project would go a long way in addressing security concerns that have rocked the region.

A similar project has also been rolled out in Ahero and Kajulu on the outskirts of Kisumu.