The government has launched an ambitious initiative to connect 35,000 households to electricity. The project, part of the Last Mile electrification program, will be implemented at a cost of Sh2.9 billion, with the goal of bringing power to both households and institutions in the region.
The announcement was made by President William Ruto during a visit to Shinyalu in Kakamega County. The event marked the launch of the Last Mile project in Lukhumbu village, where Rose Andove’s home became one of the first to be connected to the national grid. She is among 93 beneficiaries in the village, a symbol of the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises of infrastructural improvements.
“This initiative is in line with our vision of improving the living standards of the people in the Western region,” President Ruto said. He further emphasized the importance of expanding electricity access as a means to support economic growth, education, healthcare, and other critical services. The Shinyalu project, which will cost Sh243 million, is expected to connect around 2,500 households and institutions to power, further contributing to the region’s socio-economic transformation.
The Last Mile project is a key part of the government’s broader development agenda, which includes infrastructural projects aimed at improving roads, water supply, and markets in the western region. This initiative is particularly important for areas like Kakamega, where access to electricity has been limited. The successful implementation of this program will unlock opportunities for businesses, education, and improved healthcare, significantly improving the daily lives of the people in the region.
In addition to the electrification project, President Ruto’s visit to Kakamega marked a series of development milestones. On Monday, he also visited Mumias Sugar Company, where he witnessed the issuance of Sh150 million in bonuses to cane farmers. This move is the first of its kind, with the President emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring that sugar farmers, like those in the tea and coffee sectors, receive fair compensation for their efforts.
During his week-long tour of the western region, which also includes Bungoma, Vihiga, and Busia counties, President Ruto is expected to launch several other projects. On Wednesday, he will attend the launch of the secondary Dyke extension for River Nzoia flood control in Budalang’i, which aims to mitigate flooding in the region.
Through these initiatives, the government is striving to fulfill its promises of bettering the lives of Kenyans, particularly in the Western region, by creating an enabling environment for development and economic growth.
