BY SHABAN OMAR
After years of living in darkness, hope has finally dawned on Mkokoni residents in Kwale County following the launch of a rural electrification project under the Last Mile Connectivity initiative.
The project was commissioned on Friday by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani.
The project is being implemented by Kenya Power in partnership with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation REREC.
Speaking during the launch Wandayi said the project is part of the government’s commitment to transform lives, spur economic growth, and improve access to essential services.
“The President has made deliberate efforts to ensure electricity reaches each and every corner of the country to promote equal development,” he said.
Wandayi expressed concern over the low electricity penetration in Kwale County, noting that the region has remained largely underserved for years
He said Kwale is among the regions that have been left behind, with electricity connectivity still below 30 percent.
The CS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bridging the development gap between rural and urban areas.
He said electricity is a key enabler of economic growth and social transformation, and no region should be left behind.
Wandayi further said that the rural electrification programme is just one of the many promises the government made to its people.
He said President William Ruto is now working around the clock to fulfil them because he understands the impact the services have on livelihoods.
The CS noted that access to electricity will open up numerous opportunities for residents, from improved education through better lighting in schools to enhanced healthcare delivery and the growth of small businesses.
Wandayi also revealed that plans are underway to install streetlights along the stretch from Cess Point, the border between Mombasa and Kwale to Kombani in Matuga sub-county.
He said the move is part of the government’s broader efforts to uplift the region’s profile and accelerate development.
“This initiative is not just about lighting roads, it’s about transforming communities. We want to boost security, extend business hours, and create a more vibrant local economy,” said Wandayi.
He added that lighting up key entry points and trading centers would also enhance investor confidence and attract more opportunities to the area.
The street lighting project, he said, is expected to benefit thousands of residents who have long operated in poorly lit and insecure environments.
Wandayi urged the local administration to work closely with the Ministry of Energy and other implementing agencies to ensure timely and smooth execution of the project.
He urged the locals to make good use of the power to improve their living standards.
Wandayi also challenged area leaders to work closely with REREC to ensure that more households and public institutions are connected to the grid.
On her part Governor Achani hailed the electrification initiative, describing it as a major milestone in addressing the needs of the local community.
She said access to electricity is no longer a luxury but a crucial basic need that plays a vital role in transforming lives.
“Electricity is essential for any meaningful development. With reliable power supply, economic growth is not just possible, it’s assured,” said Achani.
She noted that the electrification of Mkokoni will empower residents to expand their business activities, improve service delivery in schools and health centres, and open up the area for more investment.
Achani also emphasized the role of electricity in stimulating the growth of the blue economy, especially in coastal communities that rely heavily on fishing and related activities.
“With electricity, our people can now preserve their fish, run cold storage facilities, and engage in value addition, this will go a long way in improving their livelihoods,” she said.
The governor pledged continued support for national government projects and called for more collaboration to ensure no village is left behind in the development agenda.
Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza also commended the government for launching the rural electrification project, saying it was a welcome relief for communities that have waited for years to be connected to the national grid.
He said the project is a step in the right direction and shows that the government is listening to the cries of the people.
However, the MP urged the Ministry of Energy and Kenya Power to prioritize the completion of other electrification schemes in the constituency that have stalled for years.
He cited Kindiani, Mwaluphamba, and Mwananyahi as areas where power connection projects have remained incomplete since 2018.
“These communities have been waiting for far too long. Poles were erected and wiring began, but the work was never completed. It’s time we go back and finish what was started,” he added.
Tandaza said that leaving such projects hanging not only wastes public resources but also frustrates residents who were promised access to electricity.
He called for close monitoring and accountability to ensure no project is abandoned midway.
According to Kenya Power Coast Region Officer-in-Charge Erick Lagat, the rural electrification project will be implemented in phases, with the first round set to benefit a total of 366 households.
Lagat said at least 202 homes at Mkokoni in Matuga and 164 in Madongoni and Majikuko villages in Msambweni sub-county will be connected to the national grid in the initial phase. He noted that the work has already begun and is progressing steadily.
