The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, has expressed the government’s commitment to delivering electricity to rural and underserved communities through the ‘last mile’ connectivity project.
CS Wandayi, who mentioned that the connectivity scheme is being implemented by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), added that the government is mainstreaming the provision of affordable, reliable and efficient energy, as a critical deliverable to the citizenry.
He underscored the National Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring all remote villages across the country have access to electricity.
“This is part of the National Government’s strategic agenda, to provide reliable, affordable and efficient power supply to the citizenry for faster socio-economic growth, especially at the grassroots level,” he said.
CS Wandayi emphasized the importance of extending electricity to rural communities to ‘bridge the energy divide’ and improve livelihoods.
He says the last mile connectivity program improves access to electricity in slums and rural areas and aims to help achieve universal access to affordable power.
This effort involves a combination of extending the main electricity grid and deploying off grid renewable energy solutions like Mini grids to reach these last mile communities.
Wandayi says the power project aims to provide access to reliable and affordable electricity in underserved and remote areas thus improving the quality of life for rural populations.
He was speaking when he inaugurated electricity projects for Fuzo/Mkokoni and Madongoni/Majikuko villages in Matuga and Msambweni Sub-counties of Kwale.
The CS was accompanied by Kwale Governor, Fatuma Achani, Legislators Kassim Tandaza (Matuga), Feisal Bader (Msambweni), Kwale Women Rep. Fatuma Masito and REREC CEO, Dr. Rose Mkalama.
He noted that for the first time in history, the people of the two remote villages now have access to electricity, thanks to the last mile power connectivity, which aligns with the National government’s development goals of ensuring electricity access for all citizens.
“This initiative where at least 426 households and small businesses in the two remote villages of Kwale would benefit is part of a broader effort by the National government to expand access to electricity in rural areas,” he said.
He assured that no Kenyan would be left behind in the journey towards energy equity, adding that his Ministry encourages communities to connect their homes and businesses to the power grid and adopt off grid solutions where necessary, in a bid to support sustainable development.
CS said the provision of electricity access in every village is real evidence that the government cares for everyone and that the benefits would be felt by all communities.
“The last mile connectivity aims to ensure universal access to electricity for all rural and urban poor households,” said Wandayi, adding that it also focuses on strengthening rural electricity infrastructure and metering.
The Energy Minister said the last mile power connectivity project is expected to significantly improve the quality of life, foster socio-economic growth and enhance access to vital services such as healthcare and education.
Kwale Governor, Fatuma Achani, says the initiative aims to expand electricity access to remote and far-flung areas of the Coastal County, 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 County Boss 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.
Achani said the devolved government will ensure that electricity is provided to public buildings, including schools, health centres, dispensaries and community centres.
REREC CEO, Dr. Rose Mkalama, said the Authority will partner with County governments and remains committed to making electricity accessible to all Kenyans and stimulate economic activity in rural areas by providing reliable power for businesses, schools and healthcare facilities.
MP Feisal Bader said in support of the rural electrification initiative, the Msambweni National Government Constituency Development Fund NG-CDF will allocate Sh. 20 million to expand electricity connectivity, to remote areas of the vast Constituency.
Among the hundreds of residents who gathered to witness the commissioning was Mzee Ali Mbega, a 74-year-old resident of Majikuko 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 fishermen could not store their catch due to lack of cold storage facilities.
By Hussein Abdullahi
