Uasin Gishu County is set to benefit significantly from the Second Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP 2), a government initiative supported by development partners such as the World Bank, AFD, and the European Union (EU). The project aims to enhance urban development and improve the living standards of residents in informal settlements across Kenya.
On Monday, a delegation consisting of officials from the World Bank, Pamoja Trust, and the Uasin Gishu Department of Lands, Housing, and Physical Planning, met with Deputy Governor H.E. Evans Kapkea to officially launch the KISIP 2 component focusing on Socio-Economic Inclusion Planning.
This phase of the project emphasizes conducting socio-economic surveys to assess community needs and develop community-led plans to address these challenges. Key activities under this initiative include identifying and prioritizing vulnerable populations for integration into the existing World Bank and Government of Kenya safety net programs, promoting the utilization of green zones and public spaces, and exploring community-based Solid Waste Management (SWM) mechanisms to improve waste disposal and management within settlements.
Additionally, the program will focus on enhancing safety through crime and violence prevention initiatives such as participatory crime mapping to pinpoint hotspots and investing in safer infrastructure. The establishment of community facilities like youth centers will also foster skill development, while conflict resolution and community engagement will be promoted to ensure the success of the project.
Deputy Governor Kapkea welcomed the initiative, recognizing its potential to transform Uasin Gishu County. He assured the financiers and partners of the County's full cooperation in ensuring the program’s successful implementation.
“This program is crucial for the development of Eldoret City and Uasin Gishu County as a whole. It will not only uplift living standards but also provide a much-needed facelift for our growing urban areas,” Kapkea emphasized during the meeting.
The KISIP 2 program aligns with Governor Jonathan Bii's Nguzo agenda on Lands, Housing, and Physical Planning, which prioritizes partnerships to foster sustainable urban development. The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the realization of a more resilient, inclusive, and well-planned urban environment in the region.
