In a major milestone towards universal electricity access, the government has successfully connected 12,707 households in Kwale County to the national power grid under the Sh1.4 billion Last-Mile Connectivity Project.
This initiative, launched by President William Ruto at Kiwegu Secondary School grounds in Vanga, is set to transform livelihoods, stimulate economic growth, and enhance social services in the coastal region.
Empowering Rural Communities Through Electrification
President William Ruto, while commissioning the project, emphasized its role in boosting rural electrification, improving living standards, and unlocking economic opportunities.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding electricity access, particularly in underserved rural areas, through both the national power grid and renewable energy sources such as solar power.
“The government is committed to ensuring that Kenyans, especially those in rural areas, have access to electricity—either through the national grid or renewable energy solutions. This is crucial for economic development, job creation, and the overall well-being of our people,” said President Ruto.
The Head of State highlighted that reliable electricity supply is a catalyst for development, fostering growth in key sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, and security.
By powering agribusinesses and the blue economy, the initiative is expected to drive wealth creation and improve livelihoods across Kwale County and beyond.
Boosting Economic Growth and Social Services
The electrification project is poised to revitalize small-scale enterprises, improve access to digital services, and enhance essential community services. The availability of electricity is expected to:
- Strengthen local businesses by enabling them to operate longer hours and increase productivity.
- Improve healthcare services by ensuring hospitals and clinics have reliable power for medical equipment, vaccine storage, and emergency services.
- Enhance education by providing electricity to schools, allowing students to study longer and access digital learning resources.
- Increase security by lighting up streets and public spaces, reducing crime rates.
Kwale Governor Hails Development as a Game-Changer
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani expressed her excitement and optimism about the transformative impact of the project.
She noted that access to electricity would directly contribute to improving agricultural productivity, enhancing education, and strengthening healthcare systems.
“This project marks a new chapter for Kwale. With more homes and businesses gaining access to power, our people will have better opportunities to thrive. Electricity is not just about lighting homes; it’s about driving economic growth and improving livelihoods,” said Governor Achani.
She urged residents to embrace electricity for income-generating activities and called on communities to protect power infrastructure from vandalism.
Governor Achani also reaffirmed the county government’s collaboration with the national government to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.
She emphasized that the project aligns with the national goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2030, which is a key pillar in Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Powering the Future: A Step Towards Universal Access
The Last-Mile Connectivity Project is part of Kenya’s broader energy strategy aimed at connecting more rural households to the electricity grid and promoting economic inclusivity.
By bridging the energy gap, the government seeks to uplift marginalized communities, create new economic opportunities, and enhance service delivery.
With electricity now reaching thousands of homes in Kwale, the region is on the brink of a new era of progress and prosperity.
The successful implementation of this project sets a precedent for similar initiatives across the country, reaffirming the government’s commitment to electrification as a driver of economic transformation.
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