Residents of Mandera town gathered in jubilant celebration on Sunday as the long-awaited 1.5-megawatt generators finally arrived to help alleviate the persistent electricity shortages that have plagued the region for years.
The arrival of the two trucks carrying the generators, delivered by the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), sparked spontaneous celebrations. Hundreds of residents, including women, youth, and the elderly, danced in the streets, marking the end of what has been a prolonged power crisis.
For the past two years, residents of Mandera town, Elwak town, and Kabo in Lafey Sub-County have endured unreliable and intermittent electricity supply, which severely impacted their daily lives and livelihoods. Many have voiced their frustrations to local leaders, including Mandera East MP Hussein Weytan and Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif, urging them to find a solution.
A Ray of Hope for Traders and Households
Fatuma Mohamed, a local trader in Mandera town, expressed the collective relief felt by the community. “We cannot hide our joy today,” she said. “We have suffered for so long due to the power crisis. The jubilant crowd celebrating is a clear indication of how desperate and neglected we have been.”
The arrival of the 1.5 MW generator, capable of producing 1,500 kilowatts (kW) of power, is expected to supply electricity to approximately 1,000 to 1,500 homes, depending on their energy consumption. This comes as a significant relief to the many businesses that had struggled to operate without a stable power source, particularly those dealing with perishable goods.
Impact on Health and Daily Life
Amina Abdirahman, a soloist who led a group of dancing women during the celebrations, shared the personal struggles her family had faced due to the lack of electricity. “My brother, who suffers from diabetes, was unable to store his daily doses of medication that need refrigeration,” she explained, highlighting the critical impact that the power shortage had on healthcare needs in the community.
A Turning Point for the Community
Mohamed Hassan, a trader from Bula Mpya in Mandera, voiced hope for the future, calling the generator’s arrival a turning point for the community. “Our elected leaders kept promising that the government would address the crisis,” he said. “While a generator and other equipment were procured, we were left waiting for so long. Today, witnessing the arrival of the generator is a moment of relief. We hope our businesses will recover, and life will improve.”
For the people of Mandera, this event marks a significant step toward ending the electricity crisis that has held the region back for years. With the new power supply, hopes are high that local businesses will thrive and daily life will improve for residents.
