Kenya Power will see its funding for the Last Mile Connectivity Project doubled as the African Development Bank (AfDB) extends its support towards the government-driven initiative for universal connectivity by 2020.
AfDB has given Kenya a total of US $15m for both phase one of the Last Mile project and will add a similar amount of money for the second phase, bringing the total to US $30m Both funding will see over 600,000 Kenyan households connected to electricity with 314,000 targeted in the initial phase.
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Government’s objective for universal connectivity
“We are happy with the work done by the Government in enhancing connectivity for Kenyan citizens from the funds we have advanced to the country. We will double our funds to implement the project to spur economic development across the country,” said the President of AfDB, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.
Cabinet Secretary for Energy Charles Keter also added that the funding will support the government’s objective for universal connectivity by 2020. Dr Adesina and Keter were speaking in Rongai, Nakuru County, during the launch of the second phase of the project.
“The project will improve the livelihoods of all Kenyans, especially for those living in low income areas because the government has subsidized the cost of facilitating an electricity connection,” said Mr Keter.
Joint funding
The Last Mile Connectivity project has jointly funding from the Government of Kenya, the AfDB and the World Bank. Since its implementation in May 2015, electricity access in Nakuru County has increased by 45% and over one million customers have access to electricity in the county.
