Ongoing construction works under the World Bank–funded KISIP 2 project in Langas Ward, Uasin Gishu County, where new roads, drainage systems and street lighting are transforming one of the region’s largest informal settlements. Photo by Kemuma Achieng.
By James Gitaka
Residents of Langas Ward in Uasin Gishu County are celebrating a major milestone as the Second Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP 2) takes shape. The World Bank–funded initiative (P167814), financed by the International Development Association (IDA), seeks to improve living conditions, enhance security of tenure, and strengthen institutional capacity for slum upgrading across Kenya’s informal urban settlements.
With a total value of US$165 million, KISIP 2 has already injected over KSh 1 billion into Uasin Gishu County. In Langas Ward—the county’s largest informal settlement—newly constructed roads, drainage systems, and street lighting are transforming daily life for thousands of residents.
Speaking during an inspection tour, Langas Ward MCA Francis Muya Mwangi hailed the 13.6-kilometer road works currently underway in Langas, Kipkaren, Maili Nne, and Mwanzo, which include the Segero, KK, and Kasarani Settlement roads.
Langas Ward MCA Francis Muya addressing residents during a community engagement on ongoing development projects in the area. Photo by Kemuma Achieng.
“As your leader, I am pleased to say that both the National and County governments, with support from the World Bank, have given Langas residents a reason to smile. Roads bring development, business, and security. We are truly grateful,” said MCA Muya.
Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii, who launched the projects, assured residents that road infrastructure remains a top priority for his administration. County Executive Committee Member for Roads and Infrastructure, Abraham Serem, added that the county is investing in new machinery and innovative solutions to ensure durable road construction.
“This is not just about Langas; it’s about opening up the entire county for business and economic development. We have allocated KSh 90 million to address drainage problems, particularly in Eldoret CBD, and we are working with the Kenya Highways Authority to resolve stormwater challenges,” said Serem.
CECM for Roads and Infrastructure Abraham Serem (centre), CECM for Lands and Physical Planning Edward Sawe, and Langas Ward MCA Francis Muya inspect ongoing road construction works under the World Bank–funded KISIP 2 project in Langas Ward, Uasin Gishu County. Photo by Kemuma Achieng.
County Lands and Physical Planning CEC Edward Sawe emphasized that Governor Bii’s administration is also prioritizing markets, hospitals, and street lighting alongside the road projects:
“Better roads will ease transport for both businesses and farmers, improve drainage, reduce insecurity, and create a 24-hour economy in Eldoret City,” said Sawe.
On the ground, residents say the difference is already visible. Mary Njeri, a Langas businesswoman, noted:
“This road was so bad that we used to walk in gumboots with torches. Now I can run my business smoothly, and even our children walk safely.”
In nearby Cherunya, where road works are also ongoing, residents echoed similar sentiments. Local trader Nancy Kedogo said:
Nancy Kedogo outside her kibanda in Langas Ward, where improved roads under the World Bank–funded KISIP 2 project are boosting local businesses. Photo by Kemuma Achieng.
“Nilikuja Langas miaka ya tisini barabara ilikuwa mbaya sana. Mara tunaanguka kila wakati haswa ikinyesha, hata wageni wangu kutoka nyumbani walikuwa wakishangaa tunaishi kwa town gani kutokana na kuharibika kwa barabara. Kwa sasa biashara yangu ya kibanda itamairika na nataka kusema asante—maendeleo imefika kwangu,” she said.
Elder Odinga Musita added that some adjacent settlements still struggle with poor roads and called on the county to “balance development across all neighborhoods.” Bodaboda rider Geoffrey Maina said the new road network would “reduce accidents, cut fuel costs and make night travel safer.”
CEC Sawe confirmed that road construction in Cherunya will be accompanied by new drainage pipes to handle seasonal floods, as well as street lighting to spur night-time business.
With improved infrastructure, Langas Ward and neighboring settlements are poised for rapid economic growth, reduced insecurity, and an improved quality of life for thousands of residents—marking a major leap forward for Uasin Gishu under KISIP 2.
Eldoret Media Hub, a working space for journalists based in Uasin Gishu County set up by the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association (UGJA) through a Media Council of Kenya (MCK) grant.
The facility was officially opened in August 2021 by the MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo.
