President William Ruto visited the home of 87-year-old Drisilla Jumwa in Wundayi, Taita Taveta County, to launch a long-awaited electricity connection as part of the government’s Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Project. The event marked a significant moment for the elderly woman, who had long awaited this connection to enhance her life. The electricity connection to Jumwa’s home was one of many that will benefit thousands of households in the region, a move Ruto hailed as part of the broader initiative to improve living standards and promote sustainable energy access across Kenya.
The President, accompanied by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, was warmly received at Jumwa’s home. The joy was palpable as the elderly woman, who had seen many years without electricity, welcomed the leaders into her home with great enthusiasm. Upon confirming the successful installation of the electricity connection, Jumwa raised her hands in gratitude, a gesture of immense relief and happiness. For Jumwa, this new access to power meant not only convenience but also a brighter future.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by the government to bring electricity to more rural households, with an investment of Sh1.1 billion allocated to connect 9,000 homes in Taita Taveta County. This ambitious plan includes connecting 900 homes in the Wundayi constituency, where Jumwa resides. The project forms part of the government’s broader rural electrification strategy, aimed at improving access to reliable energy for underserved communities across the country.
In his address, President Ruto expressed his delight at the progress made under the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Project. He emphasized the positive impact the electricity connection would have not just for Drisilla Jumwa, but for the broader community, enabling families to access the power needed for lighting, refrigeration, and modern conveniences that many take for granted.
“Delighted to have connected 87-year-old Drisilla Jumwa from Mwanguwi to electricity as part of our efforts to scale up the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Project,” Ruto said. “This project is about improving lives and ensuring no one is left behind in our quest for development and progress. It is part of our commitment to providing clean, affordable, and reliable energy to all corners of the country.”
The President also highlighted the broader regional impact, emphasizing that the Sh1.1 billion investment would not only improve the quality of life for the 9,000 households in the county but also contribute to the local economy. The connection of these homes to electricity is seen as a major step toward reducing poverty and stimulating development in rural Kenya, where many families had previously relied on traditional and costly energy sources such as kerosene lamps.
Later in the day, the President visited Wundayi town, where he flagged off the Paranga Electrification Project. This initiative, spearheaded by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), is set to expand electricity coverage in the area, further enhancing the region’s energy access. The project is part of Ruto’s broader plan to improve infrastructure and services in rural Kenya, which remains central to his administration’s development agenda.
During his visit, Ruto also addressed the local community, reiterating his commitment to national unity and cohesion. Despite the political challenges that have often divided the country, Ruto emphasized that he remains steadfast in his mission to bring Kenyans together, regardless of their political affiliations.
“I will not back down from my efforts to promote unity,” he said. “Kenya’s future lies in our collective efforts to work together for the common good. We must embrace peace and unity to achieve the prosperity we all desire.”
The President’s visit to Taita Taveta and the launch of the electricity connection was a clear demonstration of his commitment to uplifting rural communities, improving energy access, and fostering unity across the nation. For Drisilla Jumwa, the connection to electricity marked a milestone in her life, one that embodies the tangible benefits of government initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of ordinary citizens.
