Kenya Power has been awarded a significant Ksh1.85 billion grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to extend electricity access under the Last Mile Connectivity Project (LMCP). This funding will enable the connection of 9,121 households across Nakuru, Kilifi, Kwale, and Nyandarua counties, marking a crucial step towards achieving universal electricity access in Kenya.
The grant is part of Phase Five of the LMCP, which aims to enhance energy infrastructure and connectivity in under-served regions. This phase represents a substantial investment in Kenya’s energy sector, reflecting JICA’s commitment to supporting vital energy projects across the country. Eng. Rosemary Oduor, Kenya Power’s General Manager for Commercial Services and Sales, expressed enthusiasm about the funding, stating, “We anticipate connecting all targeted households across these four counties by January 2025. Our commitment is to accelerate electricity connections nationwide to achieve universal access.”
The Last Mile Connectivity Project has been a cornerstone of Kenya’s National Electrification Strategy, established in 2015 to expedite electricity access for households and businesses. Since its inception, the project has significantly boosted the electricity access rate, which now stands at 76% with 9.6 million households connected to the grid. The first three phases of the project saw the connection of 746,867 households at a cost of Ksh 51.1 billion.
The new JICA grant follows Kenya Power’s recent advancements in Phase Four of the LMCP, which is backed by the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union (EU), and the European Investment Bank (EIB). With a budget of Ksh27 billion, Phase Four is set to connect an additional 280,000 new customers by November 2025. Eng. Oduor highlighted the importance of these funds, noting, “We are grateful to JICA for this grant, which will greatly enhance electricity access and transform lives.”
To date, the LMCP has received Ksh73.1 billion in total funding, underscoring the project’s significance in Kenya’s electrification efforts. The extension of electricity access is achieved through optimizing existing distribution transformers and installing new ones to serve households beyond a 600-meter radius. Kenya Power has also extended its transmission and distribution network to over 306,000 kilometers, further enhancing the reach of the national grid.
Kenya Power’s growth in service coverage is evident from its current statistics. As of May 2024, the company serves over 9.62 million accounts, providing electricity to more than 76% of the population. This expansion reflects Kenya Power’s ongoing efforts to be the preferred energy solutions provider in the country, focusing on sustainable and reliable service to support socio-economic development through innovation and technology.
The support from JICA and other international partners underscores the global commitment to addressing energy access challenges and promoting sustainable development. As Kenya Power continues to implement the Last Mile Connectivity Project, the transformative impact of these initiatives will be felt across the nation, improving the quality of life for thousands of Kenyans and contributing to the country’s overall progress.
