Nyando: Residents of Onjiko in Nyando Sub-County, Kisumu County, are set to be connected to the national electricity grid through the Last Mile Connectivity Project (LMCP). Some 207 households from Konim, Kokiro, and Onjiko Kabong'o villages have been earmarked to benefit from the initiative as part of the government's ongoing effort to enhance electricity connectivity in rural and peri-urban areas.
According to Kenya News Agency, Samuel Odila from Kenya Power (KPLC), while speaking during a public participation forum in Onjiko, stated that the program aims at ensuring increased electricity access among low-income communities with low penetration rates. Odila noted that a low-voltage network would be extended from existing distribution transformers to reach households located within a 600-meter diameter. "We plan to connect all habitable structures and houses of any type situated within a 600m diameter from the existing transformers in these villages," he stated, adding that engineers have already finalized the distribution design and mapping.
The LMCP would help families to get connected at a cost of Sh15,000, significantly lowering the cost of connection from an average of Sh45,000 per household. Households are not expected to pay the connection fee at the time of connection. However, the installments can be paid over three years, which will be added to the customer's monthly bill. Odila noted that beneficiaries are needed to engage qualified electricians to do the internal wiring of their premises and issue the wiring certificate.
The Last Mile Connectivity Project is taking place across the country with over 27 transformers allocated for Nyando Sub-County to boost access to electricity for the most vulnerable households in the area. Nyando Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Elijah Maranga urged the locals to support the implementation of the program and collaborate with security officers to safeguard the infrastructure from vandalism.
The government is committed to enhancing electricity connectivity in rural areas to bring power directly to the people and stimulate economic development in the grassroots. Kenya is increasing access to electricity in rural communities, aiming for 100 percent coverage by 2030. Presently, 75 percent of the country's rural regions have electricity connections.