Seven Urban Informal settlements earmarked for a sh. 1.3b major face-lift in Uasin Gishu
The project supports urban areas in realizing the goal of providing well-housed populations in environmentally secure settings.
Ongoing improvement of road to bitumen standards in Maili Nne informal settlement. The project is being undertaken through KISIP II.
By LKC Sirwon
Seven informal settlements in Uasin Gishu County are set to undergo significant infrastructure upgrades, funded at Sh. 1.3 billion through the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP II).
This initiative, launched by the national government in collaboration with the county government, receives financial support from the World Bank, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and a grant from the European Union (EU). The primary goal is to enhance the living conditions of residents in these slum areas.
The project will provide 13.1 kilometers of tarmacked roads, seven high-mast security lights, improved street lighting, pedestrian walkways, stormwater drainage systems, and public parks and green spaces, as outlined by Julius Koech, the Chief Officer for Housing and Urban Development in Uasin Gishu County.
Koech emphasized that the improvements will significantly transform Eldoret, which was elevated to city status in August 2024.
“The KISIP II project is timely, especially as Eldoret becomes the fifth city in Kenya. Addressing the challenges posed by emerging slums has been crucial, and I’m pleased that the project includes components for building institutional capacity for slum upgrading and preventing further slum development,” he stated.
He expressed optimism that, by the project’s completion—currently at 20%—the county could see a 50% reduction in informal settlements. The expected completion date for the project is June 30, 2025.
The selected slums include Maili Nne, which will receive 3.9 kilometers of road upgraded to bitumen standards, 7 kilometers of pedestrian walkways, stormwater drainage, high-mast street lights, and an ablution block.
The Kipkaren settlement is slated for 2.5 kilometers of tarmacked road, drainage systems, a recreational facility along the Kipkaren River, as well as lighting upgrades.
Koech highlighted that KK, Kasarani, and Segero slums will collectively benefit from 2.1 kilometers of improved roads, drainage, lighting, and walkways, noting that these areas suffer from poor infrastructure and inadequate services. “These settlements are where informality is most pronounced,” he said during a media tour of the ongoing projects.
Additional upgrades include Mwanzo, which will receive 3.9 kilometers of road, closed stormwater drainage, and enhanced lighting, while Shauri will benefit from 700 meters of tarmac, drainage, and lighting.
Since the project’s launch four months ago, 500 youths from the targeted settlements have gained employment.
Koech pointed out, “The project has created direct and indirect job opportunities for the youth and women. In addition to the employed youth, local food vendors and businesses supplying materials such as cement and hardware are benefiting, which is uplifting our local economy.”
Koech also noted that KISIP II has contributed to economic development and a marked decrease in crime rates in the seven slums.
“With enhanced security and street lighting, residents can conduct their businesses late into the night without fear,” he added.
The Chief Officer reassured that the project team is working closely with community representatives to ensure the welfare of affected residents, with all impacted individuals having received compensation thus far.
He expressed gratitude to the national government, World Bank, AFD, and EU for their support and pledged to manage the project to meet expectations.
KISIP II aims to improve residents’ access to essential services and secure land tenure in urban informal settlements, while also enhancing institutional capacity for slum upgrading. The project supports urban areas in realizing the goal of providing well-housed populations in environmentally secure settings.
Currently, KISIP II is rolling out infrastructure upgrades in 33 counties, with ongoing works in Kakamega, Nakuru, Kilifi, Kisumu, and Nairobi. Tenure regularization efforts are underway in 33 counties, affecting over 120 informal settlements. The initiative also includes the development of county-specific slum upgrading and prevention strategies for 20 counties.
Additionally, KISIP II prioritizes labor-intensive techniques and inclusive employment practices during implementation, aiming to provide gainful employment opportunities for unskilled and semi-skilled residents, aligning with the government’s agenda for affordable and social housing programs.
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