The Last Mile Connectivity Project, a cornerstone of Kenya's electrification strategy, received a substantial boost today with the signing of a new phase worth Sh27 billion.

President William Ruto presided over the contract signing ceremony at State House, heralding a new chapter in the nation's drive towards universal electricity access.

Describing the event as a pivotal moment, Ruto declared, "This event is an immense milestone on Kenya’s journey towards achieving universal access to electricity in order to align our infrastructure development with our broader aspiration for a brighter, more prosperous future for our people."

The Last Mile Connectivity Project, which began as an ambitious vision, has transformed into a practical reality thanks to consistent investments and unwavering determination.

Reflecting on the project's origins and achievements, President Ruto noted, "In the beginning, this vision was not just seen as bold and ambitious, it was also considered to be too audacious to be impossible. But it has become possible due to a resolute commitment to deliver consistent investment of resources and determination to ensure that every Kenyan household, regardless of location, enjoys reliable and affordable power."

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Since its inception, the project has dramatically increased Kenya's national electricity access rate from 27 per cent in 2013 to over 75 per cent today, connecting 9.6 million households to the power grid.

The Last Mile Connectivity Project has been instrumental in bridging the gap between urban and rural areas, enhancing overall national productivity.

"The Last Mile Connectivity Project has been a transformative initiative, whose ambition complements the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. By extending the electricity grid to rural and underserved areas, the Last Mile Connectivity Project is not only effectively bridging the development gap between urban and rural communities, but it has also effectively raised the overall rate of national productivity across sectors by facilitating the uptake of efficient technologies," stated Ruto.

The newly signed phase, funded by Sh27 billion, aims to connect an additional 280,000 households across 32 counties.

This phase has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of the French Development Agency (FDA), the European Union, and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

"I wish to express profound appreciation to our development partners for their consistent support throughout the course of this initiative and, in particular, to the FDA, EU, and EIB for their support of this part of our plan," Ruto said while expressing his gratitude.

In addition to this phase, another significant connectivity programme worth Sh22 billion is underway in partnership with the AfD and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aiming to connect more than 270,000 customers.

Ruto highlighted the importance of these efforts in achieving full connectivity by 2030, stating, "We are firmly on course to achieving 100 per cent connectivity by 2030. As I speak, we are working on a similar connectivity programme worth Sh22 billion in partnership with the AfD and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to connect more than 270,000 customers."

The Last Mile Connectivity Project is not only enhancing national productivity but also fostering economic inclusivity.

"Power connectivity is a vital priority because electricity is the lifeblood of modern economies. The Last Mile Connectivity Project has enabled businesses in rural areas to flourish, contributing significantly to our GDP and creating numerous job opportunities. It has also revolutionised our agricultural sector, powering irrigation systems and agro-processing units, thereby boosting productivity and ensuring food security," Ruto emphasised.

With improved access to electricity, Kenya is witnessing transformative benefits across various sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, and small businesses.

"By connecting millions of households to the power grid, we have not only illuminated homes but also empowered communities, enhanced educational opportunities, improved healthcare services, and turned the entire country into one flourishing economic hub. Universal access is therefore fundamental to achieving economic inclusivity," Ruto added.

Highlighting the project's impact on small enterprises, he noted, "The Last Mile Connectivity Project is also good news for the Hustler Economy. The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, which is the engine of our economy, benefits immensely from reliable power, enabling them to operate efficiently and expanding their reach."

As Kenya advances towards its goal of 100 per cent connectivity, the Last Mile Connectivity Project remains a cornerstone of this mission.

The government's continued prioritisation of reliable electricity supply, alongside initiatives like the Hustler Fund, promises to unlock new opportunities and drive the nation towards a more inclusive and prosperous future.