Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi attended the Senate Standing Committee on Energy on Thursday to answer questions about electricity access in Wajir and Mandera counties.

The session collapsed when too few senators were present to meet the quorum requirement, and the hearing was postponed to a date yet to be announced.

In a statement, the Energy Ministry confirmed Wandayi’s attendance and said it remains ready to account for its decisions once the meeting is rescheduled.

The ministry highlighted ongoing work to connect the two counties to the national grid, citing Kenya Electricity Transmission Company’s (KETRACO) plan for a 220kV line from Garissa through Habaswein and Dadaab to Wajir, with an extension to Mandera.

While the high‑voltage transmission is under construction, the ministry noted that interim measures such as last‑mile connectivity programmes and standalone solar solutions are already being deployed in the region.

Wajir and Mandera rank among Kenya’s least electrified counties, with many residents relying on diesel generators or lacking power altogether.

The planned transmission lines are described as pivotal for delivering reliable and affordable electricity, aligning with President William Ruto’s commitment to extend grid access to the northeast.