By E, KNA
The government has initiated an affirmative action and set aside Sh1.9 billion that targets to bring on board thousands of new households to the electricity grid within the next one year through the Last Mile Connectivity Program (LMCP).
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi voiced the government’s commitment to deliver universal electricity access across the country saying it was part of President William Ruto’s administration’s push to ensure equitable development.
The CS said the government was determined to provide reliable, affordable and efficient power supply to accelerate socio-economic growth, through the Last Mile Connectivity Program (LMCP).
The Cs was speaking at Kwa Amos Centre within Kabatini Ward in Bahati Sub-County, where he launched last mile power connectivity where over 300 households are set to benefit.
Mr Wandayi reaffirmed the government’s pledge to deliver universal electricity access through the Last Mile Connectivity Project (LMCP) by 2030 saying the project was part of the National Government’s strategic agenda to provide reliable, affordable and efficient power supply for faster socio-economic growth, especially at the grassroots level.
The CS who was accompanied by Bahati Member of Parliament Irene Mrembo noted that the Last Mile Connectivity Programme in Kenya had transformed rural livelihoods by providing affordable electricity to homes, businesses, and public facilities, leading to increased educational opportunities, improved healthcare, enhanced productivity for farmers and small businesses and the growth of local economies.
“We are committed to ensuring no one is left behind. Through this project the country is going to achieve inclusive development,” Wandayi assured.
The Cabinet Secretary stated that electrification enables extended study hours for students, allows health care facilities to power essential equipment and store vaccines, and provides farmers with electricity for irrigation and processing, all contributing to better standards of living and economic advancement for rural communities.
While unveiling the project, in the Sub-County within Nakuru, the Cabinet Secretary pointed out that relative growth in the economy of a nation was directly related to the investment in infrastructure, and in particular energy infrastructure.
He affirmed that the project was anticipated to improve living standards, stimulate local economies, and bridge the rural-urban development gap.
Wandayi said the Last Mile Connectivity Project would not only power homes but also boost small and medium-sized enterprises across the country, aligning with President Ruto’s BETA program to achieve universal electricity access.
The implementation of the Last Mile Connectivity Project (LMCP) in Kenya is a joint effort primarily involving Kenya Power (KPLC), the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), and overseen by the Government.
Mr Wandayi stressed that electricity was no longer a luxury but a necessity that drives economic growth.
“When homes have power, children can study without interruption and excel in their exams, while youth, women, and men can start small businesses that create opportunities and fuel local economies. As a government, we are committed to ensuring that electricity reaches every Kenyan without bias,” Wandayi said.
Bahati MP Irene Mrembo said the initiative aims to expand electricity access to remote and far-flung areas of the constituency, marking a major milestone in the efforts to promote equitable development and improve the quality of life for the beneficiaries.
“Electricity is not just about power, but is also linked to education, healthcare, security, and progress for every family,” she said.
The lawmaker said by enhancing access to electricity, the initiative will stimulate economic growth, improve public services, and reduce reliance on polluting energy sources such as kerosene and firewood.
Ms Mrembo said she will work with both levels of government and other stakeholders in ensuring that electricity was provided to public buildings, including schools, health centres, dispensaries and community centres.
She said they will partner with the County government and REREC and remain committed to making electricity accessible to all the residents and stimulate economic activity in rural areas by providing reliable power for businesses, schools and healthcare facilities.
Among the hundreds of residents who gathered to witness the commissioning was Mzee Samuel Mungai, a 78-year-old resident of Kabatini village, who couldn’t hide his joy as he conveyed profound gratitude for the arrival of electricity in his village.
“For years we’ve lived in darkness. Now, my grandchildren can read at night, and I can operate my kiosk during nightfall,” he said.
He said before electricity residents faced many constraints in life, noting that local shopkeepers could not store their perishable stock due to lack of cold storage facilities.