President William Ruto has flagged off materials for Last Mile Connectivity projects valued at Ksh.34.54 million in Mwatate Constituency, Taita Taveta County. The projects aim to provide electricity access to 305 households in Iparenyi/Mwandala and Mghondinyi/Chongonyi villages. The initiative is part of the government's efforts to expand electricity access and extend power infrastructure to underserved communities.
The projects are being implemented by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC). REREC Chief Executive Officer Dr Rose Mkalama attended the flag-off ceremony, highlighting the corporation's role in implementing the electrification programme. The two projects in Iparenyi/Mwandala and Mghondinyi/Chongonyi villages are part of a wider programme in Mwatate Constituency.
A total of 13 Last Mile Connectivity projects are at different stages of implementation in Mwatate Constituency, with a combined value of KSh147.34 million. Once completed, these projects are expected to connect 1,702 households to electricity. The government aims to support households beyond basic lighting by improving opportunities for learning, supporting small businesses, and enhancing access to essential services.
Across Taita Taveta County, REREC is implementing 67 Last Mile Connectivity projects valued at Ksh.775.73 million. These projects are expected to connect 5,113 households to electricity. The government's efforts to expand electricity access are expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and improve the quality of life for residents.
President Ruto has directed Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Principal Secretary Alex Wachira to ensure the projects are completed before December. The directive is expected to hasten implementation of the ongoing works and facilitate timely connection of the targeted households. The government is working to ensure that the projects are completed within the set timeline.
For residents of Iparenyi/Mwandala and Mghondinyi/Chongonyi, the arrival of the project materials marks a step towards gaining access to electricity and the economic and social opportunities associated with improved power connectivity. The projects are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of the residents, improving their access to essential services and supporting small businesses.
The government's efforts to expand electricity access are part of its broader strategy to improve the quality of life for residents and support economic growth. The Last Mile Connectivity projects are a key component of this strategy, aiming to connect households to electricity and provide them with the benefits of improved power connectivity.
Key points
- The projects have a combined value of KSh147.34 million and are expected to connect 1,702 households to electricity once completed.
- Across Taita Taveta County, REREC is implementing 67 Last Mile Connectivity projects valued at Ksh.775.73 million.
- President Ruto directed Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Principal Secretary Alex Wachira to ensure the projects are completed before December.
