The Government’s last-mile electricity connectivity programme (LMCP) is transforming the lives of households across the country by extending access to electricity and improving education, security, healthcare and economic opportunities.
Among the latest beneficiaries is the family of Joseph Ruto of Baregeiwet village in Soliat Ward, Soin Sigowet Constituency, Kericho County, whose home was officially connected to electricity during a visit by Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.
The connection marks the end of years of relying on a single kerosene lamp for lighting, cooking and children’s studies, a situation that limited productivity, increased household expenses and affected the family’s quality of life.
Speaking after the official switch-on ceremony, Ruto said access to electricity had brought renewed hope to his family by enabling his children to study at night under proper lighting, improving security around the home and eliminating the cost of purchasing kerosene.
“This electricity has changed our lives. Our children can now study comfortably at night, and the money we used to spend on kerosene can now support other family needs,” he said.
When Kenya News Agency visited the family, relatives and neighbours gathered to witness the official commissioning of the electricity connection by Cabinet Secretary Wandayi, accompanied by Soin Sigowet Member of Parliament Justice Kemei and Kericho County Commissioner, Omar Ali.
Ruto said his family has endured financial hardship while raising five children, adding that his wife, Mercy Ruto, lives with a leg condition that requires regular medical attention, further stretching the family’s limited resources. Despite the challenges, he said they remained committed to educating their children.
Their eldest daughter, Sharon Chepng’etich, completed secondary school in 2024 and hopes to join the Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology. She currently undertakes casual jobs as she seeks financial support to pursue higher education.
Ruto revealed that he was forced to sell part of his land to pay school fees and enable his daughter to complete her secondary education.
He expressed gratitude to the government and local leaders for extending electricity to his home, saying the connection had restored hope for a better future.
“Our MP, Justice Kemei, has also promised to support our children’s education. We are grateful to him, the Energy Cabinet Secretary and the government for improving our lives,” he said.
The Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Programme is part of the government’s efforts to achieve universal access to electricity by extending power supply to households located near existing distribution transformers.
Under the 2026/27 Financial Year budget, the government has allocated Sh1.8 billion to expand electricity connectivity in Kericho County, with approximately 17,500 households expected to benefit from the programme.
Soin Sigowet Constituency has been allocated Sh270 million in the first phase to connect about 2,500 households to the national grid.
By Shirley Chepkoech and Shirleen Chemutai
