President William Ruto on Monday presided over the contract signing ceremony for Phase IV of the Last Mile Connectivity Project. 

He emphasised the ambitious vision that, while initially seen as audacious, has been realised through unwavering commitment and investment.

The current phase of the project, marked by Monday’s contract signing, secures €180 million (KSh.27 billion) to connect another 280,000 households in 32 counties.

The Head of State claims that the Last Mile Connectivity Project, a game-changer and essential component of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, has successfully closed the development gap between rural and urban areas.

 "Our determination has increased the national electricity access rate from 27% in 2013 to over 75% today, connecting 9.6 million Kenyan households to reliable and affordable power," President Ruto said.

With additional funding from the European Union, the French Development Agency (FDA), and the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Kenyan government has committed KSh2.5 billion to this phase of the project. 

He said the project has greatly increased national productivity across a number of sectors by enabling the adoption of efficient technologies by expanding the electrical grid to underserved areas.

"We are firmly on course to achieving 100% connectivity by 2030," President Ruto added. 

He also highlighted a parallel connectivity program worth Ksh.22 billion in partnership with the AfD and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which aims to connect over 270,000 customers.

President Ruto claims that by bringing millions of households online, the project has improved healthcare, education, and the environment while also illuminating homes and empowering communities and turning the entire nation into a thriving economic centre.

 "Universal access is fundamental to achieving economic inclusivity," he added.