KARUARI VILLAGE EMPOWERED AS LIGHTING UP MANYATTA PROGRAM SHINES ON

Date: June, 2025
By Our Reporter – Embu
There was jubilation and celebration in Karuari village, Nginda Ward, as households were officially connected to the national electricity grid, marking a major milestone under the Lighting Up Manyatta program. For the residents, the flick of a switch now means more than just illumination — it symbolizes progress, safety, and endless opportunity.
The electrification of Karuari is a transformative step, spearheaded through the Matching Fund partnership between the Manyatta NG-CDF and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), aimed at bridging the energy access gap in rural and underserved communities.
“This is not just about electricity. It’s about dignity, development, and a brighter future. Today, Karuari joins the rest of Kenya in the 21st century. We are committed to ensuring that no village in Manyatta is left behind,” said Hon. Gitonga Mukunji, MP for Manyatta Constituency, who oversaw the commissioning of the project.
LIGHTING THE PATH TO DEVELOPMENT
For decades, families in Karuari and nearby areas relied on kerosene lamps, candles, and firewood for light — options that are not only hazardous and expensive but also limit economic activities and learning after sunset. With the new power connections, residents can now enjoy improved quality of life and explore opportunities previously out of reach.



In addition to Karuari, Matagiri village in Gaturi South Ward also celebrated its connection to the grid under the same program, with similar enthusiasm and gratitude from the local community.
Local leaders and residents alike hailed the project as life-changing, noting that access to electricity will:
- Improve education as students can now study in the evenings.
- Boost small businesses such as barber shops, welding, and phone charging services.
- Enhance security by enabling outdoor lighting.
- Enable use of household appliances, refrigeration, and digital access.
MATCHING FUND PARTNERSHIP: POWERING THE FUTURE
The ongoing electrification drive is part of a strategic partnership between Manyatta NG-CDF and REREC, where both entities contribute resources to fast-track rural power connections across the constituency. The model has proven to be effective, scalable, and impactful — unlocking progress in villages that had long remained in the shadows.
“The Matching Fund model is a game changer. It brings government and constituency resources together to deliver real change at the grassroots,” noted a REREC field officer present at the launch.
A VISION BEYOND LIGHT
Hon. Mukunji reiterated his broader vision for the Lighting Up Manyatta initiative, which seeks to achieve universal electricity access across all villages in Manyatta by 2027. Already, several villages have been mapped for upcoming phases, and more households are set to benefit in the coming months.
“Every connection we make is an investment in our people’s future. From education and entrepreneurship to health and safety — electricity is the foundation of modern life,” he said.
As dusk fell over Karuari for the first time since the lights came on, a sense of hope and renewal filled the air. The glow from new electric bulbs danced on rooftops and verandahs — a sign that the era of darkness is truly ending in Manyatta.
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