Manyatta Konso residents decry lack of electricity

By JB Nateleng

Residents of Manyatta Konso in Dakabaricha, Saku Constituency, Marsabit County, have raised concerns over the lack of electricity, saying the situation has disrupted economic activities and affected children’s learning.

The residents say school-going children are forced to study using kerosene lamps due to inadequate lighting at night, while business operators are compelled to close their premises early, limiting their income-generating activities.

They have also expressed concern over the lack of street lighting and security lights in residential areas, saying the situation exposes them to the risk of attacks by wild animals that occasionally stray into the area at night.

The residents further lament what they describe as neglect in development planning, claiming that repeated appeals to local leaders for intervention have yielded little progress.

They are now calling on both the Marsabit County and National Governments to prioritise the area for electrification, saying access to power is essential for improving livelihoods and supporting development.

Saku Constituency Youth Leader Abdilaziz Boru has also urged leaders to address the residents’ concerns, saying they deserve access to electricity like other Kenyans.

Boru says connecting the area to the national power grid would boost local businesses and provide children with a better learning environment.