The second phase of the government’s last mile connectivity project has been launched.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter launched the Sh15 billion project on Thursday at Lotonyok primary school in Ainabkoi constituency in Uasin Gishu County.
Speaking during the event that was also attended by area MP William Chepkut, Keter said the second phase will see over 2.5 million Kenyans connected to the national grid.
The project will involve installation of new transformers and extension of low voltage network.
“Schools will also be included in this program. Even squatters will benefit from the program so long as they are not occupying people’s land,” said Keter.
The CS urged Kenyans yet to be connected to the national grid to be patient saying the project will be carried out progressively for the next three years.
He also challenged those connected to electricity to take advantage of it by engaging in a business that will improve their income and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Of the Sh15 billion set aside for the second phase of phase of last mile electricity connectivity project, Uasin Gishu has been allocated Sh1 billion.
Concerning the high cost of electricity in the country which Kenyans have been complaining of, the Energy CS said it was as a result of drought which led to a drop in water levels at Masinga dam “but the situation has since improved.”