By Adan Mohamed - Reporter
Kenya, 10 November 2025 - Residents of the Geneva area in Mandera East have taken to the streets to protest over the lack of electricity in their community, saying they have lived in total darkness for years.
The residents, who gathered to voice their frustrations, accused the authorities concerned of neglecting them despite the installation of electric poles under the rural electrification program.
They claim that the project was abandoned halfway, leaving them without power and increasingly vulnerable to insecurity. Mohamed Adawa, one of the residents, expressed his dissatisfaction , saying that living without electricity has turned life into a complete hurdle.
“The area that remains in total blackout is just a few kilometers from the border, and that makes us even more vulnerable,” he added. They say darkness has restricted movement and made it dangerous to seek medical care during emergencies.
Nasir Ali, another resident, lamented that living without power has affected their livelihoods and safety, calling on the government and local leaders to take immediate action.
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“At night we live in fear. We need light so that we can move around safely and take our sick ones to hospitals,” he noted. The residents are now appealing to their area Members of Parliament, county government officials, and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) to fast-track the connection of their villages to the power grid.
They further noted that access to electricity is not just about lighting homes but also about improving security, supporting local businesses, and enhancing access to essential services such as healthcare and education.
The residents also noted that the continued blackout has led to rise in insecurity, including incidents of phone snatching and night-time thefts. They emphasized the urgent need for the authorities to step up efforts to restore electricity and improve safety in the area.
The residents are urging the national and county governments to prioritize border regions like Mandera in the rural electrification program to ensure equitable development across the country.
