Kenya signs deal to connect 280,000 more households to power

An additional 280,000 households in 32 counties are set to be connected to the national grid following the signing of a new Sh27 billion Last Mile Connectivity Project contract.

President William Ruto said this will add to the 9.6 million Kenyan households that are already connected to electric power with a national access rate well mor than 75 per cent.

He said the government has the commitment of Sh2.5 billion to the new phase of connectivity while French Development Agency (FDA), the European Union and the European Investment Bank (EIB) will foot the remainder of the cost.

“I wish to express profound appreciation to our development partners for their consistent support throughout the course of this initiative and, in particular, to the FDA, EU and EIB for their support of this part of our plan,” Ruto said.

He spoke on Monday during the signing of the contract at State House, Nairobi.

“By standing with us in this initiative, our development partners have made an indelible contribution to Kenya's economic transformation and inclusivity. Thank you very much,” added the President.

He said that with the new development, Kenya is now well on course to achieving 100 per cent connectivity by 2030 where every Kenyan household, regardless of location, will enjoy reliable and affordable power.

“As I speak, we are working on a similar connectivity programme worth Sh22 billion in partnership with the AfD and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to connect more than 270,000 customers,” he said.

The President said the Last Mile Connectivity Project has enabled businesses in rural areas to flourish since its inception in 2013.

He noted that power connectivity is a vital priority because electricity is the lifeblood of modern economies and has immensely contributed to Kenya’s GDP and created numerous job opportunities.

Reliable electricity supply, he noted, is a crucial enabler which complements other commitments of supporting small businesses by enabling them to operate efficiently and expand their reach.

Ruto added that power connectivity has also revolutionized the agricultural sector by powering irrigation systems and agro-processing units, thereby boosting productivity and ensuring food security.

“By connecting millions of households to the power grid, we have not only illuminated homes but also empowered communities, enhanced educational opportunities, improved healthcare services and turned the entire country into one flourishing economic hub,” the President said.

He said the signing of the new contract is an immense milestone that puts Kenya on an upward trajectory towards a brighter and more prosperous future for her people.

Ruto said by extending the electricity grid to rural and underserved areas, the Last Mile Connectivity Project has not only bridged the development gap between urban and rural communities, but it has also effectively raised the overall rate of national productivity across sectors by facilitating the uptake of efficient technologies.

“In the beginning, this vision was not just seen as bold and ambitious, it was also considered to be too audacious to be impossible. But it has become possible due to a resolute commitment to deliver consistent investment of resources and determination,” the President said.