President William Ruto announced that Kenya has received a substantial Ksh4.3 billion grant from the World Bank. This significant financial boost is designated for the Last Mile Connectivity Project, a vital initiative aimed at extending electricity access to remote and underserved regions across the country. Notably, this grant comes with no repayment obligations for the Kenyan government, marking a significant stride in the nation’s development agenda.
The Last Mile Connectivity Project is a cornerstone of Kenya’s strategic plan to achieve universal electricity access, particularly in rural areas where electrification rates have historically lagged. The infusion of funds from the World Bank will enable the expansion of power infrastructure, thereby facilitating economic growth, improving living standards, and enhancing access to essential services in these regions.
The grant’s allocation underscores the World Bank’s confidence in Kenya’s developmental trajectory and the efficacy of the Last Mile Connectivity Project. By focusing on the most marginalized communities, the project aims to bridge the urban-rural divide and foster inclusive development. Access to reliable electricity is expected to spur local businesses, improve educational outcomes, and provide a critical boost to healthcare services, particularly in remote clinics that struggle with power shortages.
