State Allocates Sh3 Billion to Expand Electricity Access in Kakamega
The national government has unveiled a Sh2.9 billion electrification programme aimed at connecting more than 35,000 households across Kakamega County under the Last Mile initiative.
President William Ruto announced the rollout on Tuesday during a visit to Lukhumbu village in Shinyalu constituency, where he officially switched on power at the home of beneficiary Rose Andove—one of the 93 households in the village set to be connected in the initial phase.
According to President Ruto, the expanded Last Mile programme is a key pillar of the government’s broader plan to spur development and uplift living standards in the Western region.
We made a commitment during the campaigns to bring electricity to this area, and today we are fulfilling that promise, the President said while addressing residents. He noted that improving access to power would unlock economic opportunities for families and local businesses.
A major component of the rollout is the Shinyalu electricity project, which has been priced at Sh243 million. Once completed, it is expected to supply power to about 2,500 homes and institutions within the constituency.
This project alone will ensure that 35,000 people in Kakamega gain access to electricity, the President added.
The Head of State is currently on a week-long development tour of the Western region, inspecting ongoing works and launching new projects in Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga and Busia counties. On Tuesday, he led the first Cabinet meeting of the year at the Kakamega State Lodge.
Ruto began his visit on Monday with a stopover at Mumias Sugar Company, where he witnessed the issuance of Sh150 million in bonuses—the first time sugarcane farmers have received such payments. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reforming the sugar sector to ensure farmers benefit fairly from their produce.
The President is expected to proceed to Vihiga on Wednesday and later officiate the extension of the secondary dyke under the River Nzoia flood mitigation programme in Budalang’i.