Only 9 percent of KPLC last mile connectivity complete

President William Ruto at Mzee Kitheka Mbuvi's home during the launch of the Last Mile Connectivity Project in Nzombe, Kitui County. [File, Standard]

The National Assembly’s Committee on Energy has raised concern over the slow implementation of the Last Mile Connectivity Programme, after it emerged that only nine per cent of the project has been completed.

The committee, chaired by Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria, expressed regret that despite years of significant public investment, progress on the project remains minimal.

Members of Parliament faulted the government over repeated promises on last-mile connectivity that have yet to be fulfilled, warning the delays could have political consequences.

While the government reports national electricity access at over 70 per cent, MPs said many areas remain underserved, calling for urgent action to address disparities.

“We need to understand why connectivity varies and what affirmative action is being taken. Even in urban areas, access is not guaranteed. The Ministry must explain,” said Gikaria.

Lawmakers noted that the programme, launched years ago, is long overdue, with little visible impact in some constituencies.

Awendo MP Walter Owino questioned the gap between government assurances and reality on the ground, urging clarity on implementation challenges.

President William Ruto, however, maintained that 19,000 households have been connected so far, with plans to connect an additional 9,500 in the next financial year.

The committee also put officials from the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) on the spot over what it termed chronic underperformance.

MPs cited a mismatch between official data and realities in constituencies, with some reporting connectivity levels as low as 20 per cent.

Gikaria warned that the slow rollout risks eroding public confidence, noting that stalled projects create perceptions of neglect.

KPLC attributed the delays to funding disruptions following the collapse of the Finance Bill 2024, which affected payments to contractors—an explanation MPs dismissed.

Embakasi South MP Julius Mawathe raised concerns over reliance on GIS-based planning, warning it could exclude informal settlements such as Mukuru and Mathare, where lack of electricity has contributed to frequent fire outbreaks.

The committee also questioned the limited number of contractors handling the project, with only 26 currently engaged nationwide, leading to logistical challenges.

KPLC said reforms, including localised invoicing and a dedicated project account, are being implemented to address payment bottlenecks.

Despite the setbacks, the utility pledged to complete the current phase by October 2026.

The committee has now directed KPLC and REREC to submit a detailed constituency-by-constituency progress report for all 290 constituencies, insisting on transparency and accountability.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Treasury CS John Mbadi were expected to appear before the committee over the delays but sought to reschedule the meeting