Thika: The Sh54 billion worth of electricity connectivity projects that are going across several parts of the country are set to boost national connectivity from 77 per cent to 83 percent before the end of the year, a boost to development and job creation. Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira said the Sh42 billion funding for last mile connectivity and the Sh12 billion acceleration programme that targets 14 under-connected counties is set to connect electricity to between 480,000 to 600,000 households.
According to Kenya News Agency, speaking while lighting some of the households in Thika East Sub County, the PS said works for the two programmes are ongoing with several households being lit. The PS disclosed that Mt Kenya region got Sh10.3 billion worth of electricity connections with Kiambu County alone getting Sh419 million worth of funding under this initiative to connect 2,700 households.
“That’s what we shall be doing up to November this year before we start another programme funded by the African Development Bank that will help us accelerate power connectivity and help us achieve the universal coverage of electricity to 100 percent by 2030,” said the PS. The PS said the program is a critical part of Kenya’s long-term development blueprint and the government’s commitment to empowering grassroots communities through infrastructure and services that spur growth from the bottom up.
“Electricity is not just about light; it’s about powering opportunities,” the PS said. “This investment will unlock business potential, enhance security, and drive development in areas like Thika East and beyond.” Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a hailed the development as transformative, revealing that over 1,750 families in her constituency would directly benefit. “This is a game-changer for our youth and small traders. With power in homes and business premises, we expect a surge in economic activity and a sharp decline in insecurity,” she said.
Dr. Rose Mukalama, CEO of Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy, urged residents to be vigilant and guard against vandalism, describing the culprits as economic saboteurs. She emphasized that the electricity connections are free of charge, warning that no one should demand payment since the government has fully covered the costs. Residents welcomed the electricity connections, saying it would improve their lives and open new doors for employment and enterprise.