RELIEF : Electricity connection now Sh1,160

Kenyans with no electricity have a reason to smile as they will now be required to contribute only Sh1,160 for power to be connected. Kenya Power Chief Executive Officer Dr Ben Chumo said the company has partnered with the World Bank to ensure majority of Kenyans have access to electricity. The programme dubbed Global Partnership on Output Based Aid will see Kenyans living in informal settlements in urban centres and those in rural areas being connected. Speaking at Kiganjo Polytechnic Grounds in Gatundu South over the weekend when he launched the programme, Dr Chumo said the programme targets the needy who could not afford to raise the current Sh35,000 for power connection. "We want to put a smile on the less fortunate in the society this new year courtesy of this project. They will only be required to do wiring in their houses," said Chumo. Under the programme the World Bank will contribute Sh19,350, Kenya Power Sh11,970 while the consumers will contribute Sh1,160. The CEO said with the electricity, security will be enhanced in slums since it would light up the areas.