Powering Up Kakamega: 35,000 Homes to Benefit from Last Mile Electricity Project
StorySpotlight
By Strilus Bellbut
In a move aimed at improving living standards and driving development in Kakamega County, President William Ruto launched the Last Mile electricity project, which will see 35,000 households connected to the national grid.
The ambitious initiative, valued at Sh2.9 billion, is a key part of the government's broader push to modernize Western Kenya and provide more homes and institutions with reliable electricity.
The President made the announcement during his visit to Shinyalu, Kakamega County, where he inaugurated the project and connected the home of Rose Andove in Lukhumbu village—one of the 93 beneficiaries. He emphasized that providing electricity to rural areas was a critical promise made during his election campaigns.
“Today, we have connected the home of Rose Andove at Lukhumbu village to electricity,” said President Ruto. “This project will connect 35,000 people in Kakamega County with electricity, bringing us closer to fulfilling the promises made during the campaigns.”
The Shinyalu component of the project, valued at Sh243 million, will provide electricity to around 2,500 households and institutions in the region.
Ruto reiterated his commitment to transforming the region through infrastructure development, including providing access to electricity, which he believes will spur economic opportunities, enhance educational outcomes, and elevate living standards.
“This is part of our effort to ensure that more homes and institutions in Western Kenya have access to reliable electricity,” he added.
The Last Mile project is not only expected to improve quality of life but also contribute to the overall modernization of Kakamega County, in line with the government's development agenda.
The President’s visit to Kakamega is part of his week-long tour of Western Kenya, which includes inspections and launches of several development initiatives in Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga, and Busia counties. These projects cover essential infrastructure like roads, dams, and markets.
Earlier in the week, President Ruto chaired the first Cabinet meeting of the year at Kakamega State Lodge and also visited Mumias Sugar Company, where he witnessed the distribution of Sh150 million in bonuses to cane farmers—marking the first such payment in the region.
"Tea and coffee growers receive bonuses; why not sugar farmers?" Ruto questioned, underscoring his commitment to reforms in the sugar sector to boost farmers' returns.
