In a significant boost to Kenya’s electrification efforts, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has awarded a Ksh1.85 billion grant to Kenya Power for the implementation of Phase V of the Last Mile Connectivity Project (LMCP).
This latest phase aims to connect 9,121 households across four counties: Nakuru, Kilifi, Kwale, and Nyandarua, further advancing Kenya’s goal of achieving universal electricity access.
The grant announcement follows Kenya Power’s recent signing of 26 contracts for Phase IV of the project, which is funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union (EU), and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
With a total investment of Ksh27 billion, Phase IV aims to connect 280,000 new customers by November 2025.
“We expect to connect all the targeted households across the four counties by January 2025,” Rosemary Oduor, Kenya Power’s General Manager for Commercial Services and Sales, said in a statement released by the utility firm on Monday, July 29, 2024.
“The Company is committed to fast-tracking electricity connection across the country to achieve universal access to electricity. We thank JICA for the grant which will go a long way to enable these households to access electricity and transform their livelihoods,” she added.
Last mile
The Last Mile Connectivity Project, initiated in 2015 as part of the Kenya National Electrification Strategy, has been instrumental in increasing the country’s electricity access rate.
To date, the project has secured Ksh73.1 billion in funding and has connected 746,867 households under its first three phases at a cost of Ksh51.1 billion.
The project’s success is attributed to the strategic use of existing distribution transformers, connecting every household within a 600-meter radius, and installing new transformers for more remote households.
Kenya Power, the project’s implementing agency, has played a crucial role in expanding the nation’s electricity infrastructure.
Since its establishment in 1922, the company has developed an extensive transmission and distribution network covering over 306,000 kilometers.
As of May 2024, Kenya Power serves over 9.62 million accounts, enabling more than 76% of Kenya’s population to access the national grid.
“The JICA grant comes at a critical time as we push towards universal electricity access. Our vision is to be Kenya’s energy solutions provider of choice by sustainably supplying quality and reliable service to power people for better lives and support the country’s socio-economic development using innovation and leveraging technology,” Oduor added.
Kenya Power’s continued efforts in electrification are vital for the nation’s socio-economic development, aiming to empower households and businesses alike through reliable and widespread electricity access.