Government launches Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Project

By Robert  Mutasi

President William Ruto announced a significant boost to energy accessibility in Taita Taveta County during a recent visit, where he highlighted the successful connection of 87-year-old Drisilla Jumwa from Mwanguwi to electricity.

This indeed has been a key milestone of the government's continued efforts to improve energy access under the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Project.

In his address to residents in Wundanyi, Ruto stated that electricity was about transforming lives and communities.

"Connecting Drisilla Jumwa to electricity is not just about power; it's about hope, opportunity, and enhancing the quality of life for our elderly citizens," he said.

He said that the government is committed to making sure every household has access to electricity, which is crucial for education, health, and economic development.

In this regard, the national government intends to invest Ksh 1.1 billion in Taita Taveta County with a projected connectivity of 9,000 households to the national grid.

This means 900 beneficiaries will be derived from Wundanyi Constituency, whose people, hitherto, suffered due to the lack of reliable electrical infrastructural service.

During the launch, President Ruto also flagged off the Paranga Electrification Project, a joint effort spearheaded by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation.

This project aims to increase electricity supply in rural areas, thus fostering growth in agriculture, small businesses, and improving access to education through the use of technology.

The residents were grateful for the project, knowing full well that dependable electricity will finally allow them to seek entrepreneurial activities and improve the living standards in the area.

"Many families that have been without power for so long are looking forward to the opportunities brought by electricity. "We have waited for this moment for so long," said a leader of the local community and spoke for the inhabitants. "The connection of electricity will be a game-changing point for us. It allows our children to study at night and enables small businesses to come up."