By S, KNA
The implementation of the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Project in Tinderet Sub County has gathered fresh momentum following the delivery of electricity poles to Kitero Chebang’ang and Kiwanja Ndege areas, setting the stage for expanded power connections to institutions and local households.
The project, spearheaded by Kenya Power under the national government’s rural electrification agenda, is aimed at increasing access to affordable electricity and accelerating socio-economic transformation in underserved regions.
Public institutions including schools, trading centres and nearby homesteads are poised to benefit from the ongoing works.
The arrival of the poles has been received with excitement by residents, who view the development as a long-awaited breakthrough.
For years, many families and small businesses in the affected areas have relied on kerosene lamps and costly alternative power sources, limiting productivity and exposing them to health and safety risks.
Area Member of Parliament, Julius Melly, who toured sections of the project, reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that more households are connected to the national grid. He described electricity access as a key pillar in improving living standards and unlocking economic potential in rural communities.
“This is not just about putting up poles. It is about lighting up homes, empowering our youth and creating an environment where businesses can thrive,” he said, adding that his office will continue to collaborate with Kenya Power and other stakeholders to ensure no village is left behind.
He further noted that institutions such as schools stand to gain significantly from reliable electricity, especially at a time when digital learning is becoming central to the education system. “When we connect our schools to power, we are investing in the future of our children. They will be able to access digital resources and study in a secure, well-lit environment,” he said.
In Kitero Chebang’ang area, residents expressed optimism that the project will stimulate the growth of the informal sector. Small-scale traders said access to electricity will enable them to expand operations, preserve perishable goods and extend working hours.
A local trader in Chebang’ang said the project will transform livelihoods. “With electricity, I can install a refrigerator and diversify my business. We have waited for this for a long time,” she noted.
At Kiwanja Ndege, community leaders emphasized that the development will enhance security and attract new investments. Proper street lighting, they observed, will reduce incidents of insecurity while encouraging evening economic activities.
The Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Project has played a crucial role in narrowing the electricity access gap across the country, significantly boosting connectivity rates over the past decade.
The leaders believe the ongoing expansion will mark a turning point in rural electrification, creating opportunities for entrepreneurship, improving service delivery in public institutions and enhancing overall quality of life.
As the project progresses from pole delivery to actual connections, residents remain hopeful that the glow of electric light will soon replace darkness in their homes and trading centres, symbolizing a new chapter of growth and development in the sub county.