Govt to Connect 1 Million Kenyans to Power in Two Years
The Kenyan government will connect 1.18 million more households to the national grid over the next two years under the accelerated Last Mile Connectivity Project.
President William Ruto reaffirmed the commitment during a recent tour, stating: “Every household will get electricity for free—whether you live in a mud house or iron-sheet home. You only pay your monthly bill.”
Free Installation, Affordable Repayment
Under the program, meters and wiring are installed at no upfront cost. Households pay Ksh15,000 for the connection—but not all at once. The amount is recovered through 50% deductions from every prepaid token purchase until fully settled.
The project is implemented by Kenya Power and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Commission (REREC), with funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and World Bank.
Already 1.3 Million Connections in 3 Years
Since 2022, the initiative has delivered 1,301,938 new electricity connections across rural and underserved areas. Officials say the impact goes beyond lighting—it sparks economic growth.
“Three or four years after connection, you see new businesses, schools powered, and whole villages transformed,” said Kenya Power MD Joseph Siror. “It’s a seed investment in Kenya’s future.”
Phase VI Expands to 45 Counties
The latest phase—Last Mile Phase VI—will add 150,001 new connections in 45 counties (excluding Nairobi and Mombasa). It targets homes, schools, health centers, and MSMEs.
To support the surge, the government will:
- Build 13 new substations
- Construct 2,871 km of 33kV power lines
- Install 6,798 km of distribution lines to homes and businesses
This infrastructure ensures reliable supply even in remote, low-density settlements.
Power as a Tool for Development
The government says electrification is key to reducing rural poverty, improving education, and enabling digital inclusion—ending the era when villagers had to travel to charge phones or run businesses after dark.
