Government Allocates Ksh1.8 Billion for Last Mile Project in Kilifi County.

By Robby Ngoba

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The national government has allocated Ksh1.8 billion for the last mile electricity connectivity project in Kilifi County.

Speaking during an economic empowering forum for women groups in Jilore and Chumani areas of the county, deputy president Kithure Kindiki said the government was committed to expanding electricity access across the country.

The program, according to him, aims at realising Vision 2030’s goal to universal electricity access and unlocking new opportunities for economic growth for the residents.

‘’The initiative targets to unlock business potential, enhance security and drive development to underserved communities.’’

Under this initiative, the DP said Kilifi North subcounty has been allocated Ksh253 million expected to provide electricity to 3,300 households with additional 16,700 households target for the entire Kilifi region.

He says the programme has expanded electricity grid to underserved areas by bridging the development gaps between urban and rural communities.

The second-in-command acknowledged that over the past one decade, the government has increased electricity access from 27 percent in 2013 to about 78 percent today.

“This means as a government we are progressing well. With the new development, the country is now well on course to achieving 100 percent connectivity by 2030 where every Kenyan household within 600 meters of a transformer will enjoy reliable and affordable power.’’

Additionally, the government in collaboration with World Bank has allocated Ksh5 billion grant set to benefit over 100,000 small businesses nationwide.

‘’Over 1,450 Wards in the country will see 70 small business owners receive sh50,000 to expand their businesses.’’

He disclosed that the approach was designed to reach grassroot entrepreneurs, thus, fostering localised economic growth and job creation in the country.

‘’The program is in line with the Kenya Kwanza manifesto which seek to uplift those at the bottom of the economic pyramid.’’

To benefit from the project, residents are supposed to pay Ksh15,000.

Area MP Owen Baya urged the residents to take advantage of the power connectivity to engage in business.

According to him the initiative is not about bringing power to homes, but an organically invigorating the community on matters of economy.

‘’With a target of connecting about 20,000 households in the county, the project is not just lighting up home but also igniting aspirations and fostering economic growth.’’

The DP criticized the opposition, accusing them of lacking viable solution for the Country.