Politics and policy
By KAZUNGU CHAI, PSCU
In Summary
- AfDB will lend the Kenya gov't Sh12.2 billion to help pay for more than 300,000 new electricity connections.
- The project entails constructing 12km of lines and installing equipment in 284,200 homes and 30,000 premises.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) will lend the
Kenya Government Sh12.2 billion to help pay for more than 300,000 new
electricity connections.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and
Deputy President William Ruto witnessed the signing at State House,
Nairobi. Energy secretary Davis Chirchir, also at the event, welcomed
funding of the electricity project.
Mr Rotich said the ‘Last Mile’
project entails construction of 12 kilometers of low voltage
distribution lines and installation of connection equipment in a minimum
of 284,200 homes and 30,000 commercial premises.
“Successful completion… will see
an additional 1.2 million people access electricity,” the National
Treasury Cabinet Secretary said.
He added that connecting
commercial users in rural areas will open avenues for self-employment
and job creation and also reduce the use of kerosene and firewood for
cooking and lighting which are detrimental to the environment.
The Government will provide Sh1.2
billion directly to meet the total cost of the connectivity project,
currently budgeted at Sh13.4 billion.
The CS disclosed that AfDB had
also committed to finance the Kenya-Tanzania power interconnection
project, intended to improve supply of electricity in the two countries
by creating an East African Power Pool (EAPP).
“The primary objective of this
project is to promote power trade and regional integration, social and
economic development in East Africa,” he said.
He added that the Energy ministry
has also prepared the Lamu-Kitui-Nairobi East Transmission Lines
project for financing by the AfDB.
Mr Negatu affirmed the bank’s commitment to funding Government projects.
Rewritten by BDAfrica.com REPORTER
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