Chepkoghkogh residents decry 13-year electricity blackout

Kenya Power and Lighting company employee reconnects power in Kakamega town on August 8, 2024. [File, Standard]

Residents of Chepkoghkogh in Central Pokot Sub-County are up in arms over a long-standing lack of electricity in their area, 13 years after a government-initiated power project stalled.

According to residents, the project was launched in 2012 and saw power connected briefly before it was cut off within a week, never to return.

"The power lines were set up in 2012. Power was connected and lasted only for one week," said Benjamin Tiamale, the former senior chief of Chepkoghkogh Location.

Chepkoghkogh, which has a population of over 9,000 and 20 schools spread across seven sub-locations, has remained in darkness for over a decade. The community blames the absence of electricity for stunted economic growth, rampant unemployment, and worsening poverty.

"This electricity program was being pushed by the former late Sigor MP Wilson Litole, and since his passing, nothing has moved," Tiamale said.

Residents say the last time a contractor was seen on-site was in 2018. Some of the equipment, including fallen transformers, was moved by locals to nearby schools for safekeeping.

"We picked up some of the fallen transformers and brought them to Annet School so they wouldn't be stolen," he added.

He said people now rely on candles, solar panels, and firewood for lighting.

Businesses at the main trading centre are reportedly forced to close early due to the lack of lighting and growing security concerns.

"Darkness has made the area insecure. Gangs take advantage of the situation at night. We suffer especially during the rainy season. This area borders Elgeyo Marakwet and is prone to night attacks," said Evelyn Kasenya, a resident.

Raymond Sikamoi, another resident, faulted the original contractor for doing the shoddy work and called on the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to intervene.

"The cost of fuel and power units for generators is too high. Without electricity, people must travel far to access basic services like welding and phone charging," he said.

Mr Sikamoi urged the government to include Chepkoghkogh in the upcoming financial year's power distribution budget, warning that the area's economic potential remains untapped due to a lack of electricity.

Sigor Member of Parliament Peter Lochakapong expressed disappointment over the government's silence on the matter.

Residents now hope that the government will act swiftly to revive and complete the long-forgotten power project, which they say is key to unlocking the region's development.