By Jane Obila
Residents of North Alego Ward participated in a public participation forum on the Siaya County Energy Policy 2026–2035. Held at Nyalgunga Chief’s Camp, the meeting gave community members the opportunity to share their views on how energy services should operate in the ward over the next decade.
The forum was organised by the County Government of Siaya through the County Energy Planning Committee, with support from UK PACT (UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions). It forms part of a series of public engagements taking place across the county.
Mr Jared Oluoch, Director of Public Works, Roads and Energy, presented the draft policy. He outlined its ten objectives: governance and coordination; affordable electricity for all; clean cooking transition; productive use of energy; energy efficiency; energy financing; energy data and reporting; gender, disability and inclusion; environment, health and climate; and research, innovation and skills.
Residents identified several priority areas. They emphasised the need for affordable electricity for all, reliable energy for farming, fishing and businesses, and greater inclusion of persons with disabilities. They also called for improved electricity reliability, particularly during the rainy season when power outages are frequent, and urged the county to ensure that all health centres have continuous electricity supply so that medical services can continue without interruption.
Public participation is a constitutional principle under Articles 10, 174 and 196 of the Constitution of Kenya and is a guiding principle of the policy. All views collected in Nyalgunga will be recorded and carefully considered by the County Energy Planning Committee as it refines the policy before finalisation.
