The government has rolled out an ambitious plan to connect about 35,000 households with electricity in Kakamega County under the Last Mile programme.
Speaking in Shinyalu, Kakamega county, President William Ruto said the project, which will be implemented at a cost of Sh2.9 billion, is part of the government’s agenda to enhance development and improve the living standards of the people in Western region.
He announced this when he presided over the launch of the Last Mile project at Lukhumbu village at the home of Rose Andove who is among 93 beneficiaries of the project in the village.
“Today we connected the home of Rose Andove at Lukhumbu village with electricity,” the President told Shinyalu residents.
The Shinyalu electricity project, which will be implemented at a cost of Sh243 million, will see about 2,500 households and institutions connected to power.
“During campaigns, we promised to provide electricity here and I have come today to deliver on that promise,” Ruto said.
“This project will connect 35,000 people in Kakamega county with electricity”.
The president is on a week-long tour of duty in the western region to inspect and launch a series of projects including roads, dams and markets in the four counties of Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga and Busia.
On Tuesday, the President chaired the first Cabinet meeting of the year at Kakamega State Lodge.
Ruto began the Kakamega County trip on Monday with a visit to Mumias Sugar company where he witnessed the issuance of Sh150 million bonuses, the first-ever such payment for cane farmers.
“Growers of tea and coffee get bonuses, why not sugar farmers?” the President posed.
Ruto said the government will continue implementing reforms in the sugar sector to ensure farmers get better returns.
On Wednesday, he will be in parts of Vihiga.
He is expected to launch the extension of the secondary Dyke for River Nzoia flood control project in Budalang’i.
by FELIX KIPKEMOI
