Last Mile Connectivity Project Expands Power Access in Western Kenya
The Mt Kenya Times 
Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Opiyo Wandayi
Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Opiyo Wandayi joined President William Ruto to flag off the Last Mile Connectivity Project at Ebutani Junction in Khwisero Constituency, Kakamega County. The event marked a significant step in extending the national grid to underserved areas through collaboration between the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) and Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). The initiative addresses the need for reliable electricity in communities that have long depended on less consistent sources. By connecting new customers, the project supports the national strategy to expand access to electricity for daily use and economic growth. The presence of the President and Cabinet Secretary highlighted the government’s commitment to bridging service delivery gaps across the country.
The Last Mile Connectivity Project follows a structured electrification approach, with REREC managing rural connections and KPLC integrating them into the grid. This partnership enables efficient rollout in areas like Khwisero, where terrain and distance have posed challenges. The flag-off at Ebutani Junction marked the start of works to connect households and facilities previously outside the grid, ensuring consistent power for basic and productive needs. These extensions align with the government’s goal of universal electricity access as a foundation for development. Reliable power shifts communities toward greater productivity, supporting the transition from traditional energy sources to modern, sustainable grid systems.
Expanding grid access directly improves quality of life in targeted regions. Reliable electricity allows households to operate essential devices, easing daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and communication. In education, steady power supports evening study and enables schools to run facilities more effectively. Healthcare services benefit as clinics operate equipment and maintain records efficiently, improving patient care. These outcomes position electricity as a key driver of better living standards.
The project also creates opportunities for small businesses. Traders and service providers in Khwisero can now power tools, refrigeration, and machinery, expanding operations and serving more customers. Reliable supply supports manufacturing, retail, and services, generating jobs and income. As businesses stabilize, they strengthen the local economy and attract investment, creating a connected marketplace that fosters growth.
Socioeconomic development accelerates as grid connections support agriculture and trade. Power enables processing and storage of goods, reducing losses and expanding market reach. Community facilities such as markets and centers operate more efficiently, encouraging social interaction and collective progress. The initiative aligns with national goals to reduce regional disparities by ensuring rural areas keep pace with urban ones. REREC and KPLC demonstrate how coordinated efforts deliver tangible electrification results. President Ruto’s participation emphasized executive support, while Cabinet Secretary Wandayi provided sectoral leadership.
Continued implementation of the Last Mile Connectivity Project will extend the grid nationwide, making electricity a standard feature across Kenya. Events like the Ebutani Junction flag-off serve as models for replication in other constituencies. The collaboration between REREC and KPLC ensures effective management of technical and financial aspects, paving the way for broader coverage. As more areas connect, benefits to households, businesses, education, healthcare, and development will become increasingly evident. Power infrastructure thus stands as a cornerstone of equitable growth, with ongoing flag-offs signaling steady progress.
The flag-off in Khwisero Constituency represents a practical step in Kenya’s electrification agenda. By extending the grid under presidential and ministerial oversight, the project addresses essential needs while laying the foundation for sustained development. Reliable electricity unlocks potential in daily life and economic activity, enabling communities to contribute fully to national progress.
James Kilonzo Bwire is a Media and Communication Practitioner.
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