Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi on Wednesday officially launched the Last Mile Connectivity Program (LMCP) in Ruiru, Kiambu County, marking a major step toward expanding access to affordable electricity across the country.
The CS, who was joined by Ruiru Member of Parliament Simon King’ara and senior officials from the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), flagged off the project in Gikumari village, where hundreds of residents gathered to witness the milestone event.
Speaking during the launch, Wandayi said the government remains committed to ensuring universal electricity access by 2030.
He noted that the Last Mile Connectivity Program has already transformed lives in many parts of the country and promised that more households in Ruiru and beyond would soon benefit.
“Electricity is not just about lighting homes. It is about creating opportunities for small businesses, improving security, enhancing healthcare, and giving our children a chance to study longer,” Wandayi said.
“Through this program, the government is deliberately targeting underserved areas to ensure no Kenyan is left behind.”
MP King’ara lauded the project, saying reliable electricity would spur economic growth and boost job creation in Ruiru.
He urged residents to take advantage of the program, noting that improved infrastructure will attract investors and open up new business opportunities.
Officials from REREC emphasized that the initiative would ease the cost burden for households by subsidizing connections and expanding the grid to rural and peri-urban areas.
They assured the community that the program would be rolled out promptly, with priority given to villages that had long been excluded from electricity access.
Excited Gikumari residents welcomed the development, with many saying it would significantly improve their livelihoods.
Mothers spoke of safer cooking and better living standards, while young people highlighted the chance to explore new digital and technical opportunities.
The launch in Ruiru is part of a nationwide scale-up of the Last Mile Connectivity Program, which aims to increase Kenya’s electricity penetration rate from the current 77 percent to above 90 percent in the coming years.
Wandayi concluded by reaffirming President William Ruto’s administration’s commitment to affordable, sustainable, and inclusive energy for all Kenyans.
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