The last-mile electricity connection programme has gained momentum in the Emgwen Constituency after 83 households in the lower Kaplonyo area of Kilibwoni Ward were installed with electricity meters.
The installation is part of a Sh5.7 million project undertaken by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) targeting 114 households in the area, with the exercise expected to improve the quality of life of residents and open new opportunities for small businesses.
Emgwen Member of Parliament Josses Lelmengit said the installation of the meters was an important milestone in efforts to increase electricity connectivity in the constituency.
He said the programme would help address the challenges faced by households that have remained without electricity despite being close to areas served by the national grid.
“This is an important step towards ensuring that more households in Emgwen have access to electricity,” Lelmengit said, adding that the government would continue working to ensure that underserved areas benefit from the Last Mile Connectivity Programme.
The MP pointed out that electricity was critical to the social and economic transformation of rural communities, noting that families would benefit through improved lighting, enhanced security, and access to modern communication services.
“Electricity is not a luxury anymore. It is an essential service that our people need for education, business, and other income-generating activities,” he said.
Lelmengit said improved electricity access would also create an environment where residents could establish small enterprises such as welding workshops, shops, salons, carpentry businesses, and milk-cooling facilities.
He urged the beneficiaries to use the new connection to improve their livelihoods and support their children’s education, particularly by providing better conditions for pupils and students to study at night.
Residents said the arrival of electricity would significantly change life in Kaplonyo, where some families have relied on kerosene lamps, solar-powered lighting, and other alternatives.
They said the new connections would enable them to undertake household chores and businesses more efficiently.
The beneficiaries were also happy that electricity would improve security in the area by allowing homes and businesses to install lighting around their compounds.
The 83 households connected on Monday account for about 73 per cent of the 114 households targeted under the project, leaving 31 households awaiting connection.
“The ongoing exercise is expected to continue until all the targeted households are connected, in line with efforts to expand access to electricity in rural parts of Emgwen,” he stated.
The MP further said electricity connectivity remained among his priorities, promising to work with the relevant government agencies to ensure that more households and institutions in the constituency are connected to the national grid.
By Sammy Mwibanda
