Social Economic Inclusion Projects Prioritization Concludes in Uasin Gishu

 The Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP) has achieved a major milestone with the conclusion of the prioritization process for key community-driven projects designed to improve the living conditions in the informal settlements of Kipkaren and Mwanzo. This important phase of KISIP’s second component, focused on Social Economic Inclusion, aims to empower marginalized communities by ensuring that local residents actively participate in the decision-making processes that will directly impact their lives.

KISIP, a national initiative that works in collaboration with county governments and community members, is dedicated to improving the living standards of residents in Kenya's informal settlements. The prioritization phase marked an essential step towards ensuring that the interventions are tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of the people living in Kipkaren and Mwanzo. The projects identified are expected to enhance social infrastructure, promote economic growth, improve environmental sustainability, and bolster security in these underserved areas.

At the closure of the prioritization phase, Ms. Zenah Kurui, National Representative for the Social Economic Inclusion Component of KISIP, praised the progress made. She highlighted the transformative potential of these projects in uplifting the community. “The initiatives prioritized here will not only enhance the physical living conditions of the residents but will also serve as a powerful catalyst for community empowerment. The projects are deeply rooted in the needs and desires of the local population, and the inclusion of their perspectives in the planning process is crucial for their success,” Ms. Kurui remarked.

She further emphasized that the essence of the project lies in its ability to directly involve community members in shaping the solutions to the challenges they face. This approach ensures that the interventions are not only relevant but also sustainable. By empowering the local population to take charge of their development, the initiative paves the way for lasting improvements in their social and economic well-being.

Prioritized Projects for Mwanzo Site and Service Informal Settlement

Mwanzo, one of the informal settlements in Uasin Gishu County, is set to benefit from a comprehensive set of projects that focus on enhancing both social services and economic opportunities. The following initiatives have been prioritized:

• Social Hall with ICT Centre and Day Care: The installation of a social hall integrated with an ICT centre and day care facility aims to provide improved access to education and social services for both children and adults. The ICT centre will be crucial in bridging the digital divide, offering access to technology for learning, business, and communication.

• Market Stalls/ Stands: To boost the local economy, a series of market stalls and stands will be established. These will provide small-scale traders with designated, organized spaces to conduct their business in a safer and more efficient manner, promoting local commerce and economic activity.

• Drilling of a Borehole and Community Water Point Construction: Access to clean water remains a major challenge in informal settlements. This project will involve drilling a borehole and constructing a community water point, significantly improving water access for both personal and agricultural needs.

• Girl Empowerment Centre: Aimed at empowering young girls, this facility will provide them with the tools they need to succeed in life. Through education, mentorship, and skills-building programs, the centre will focus on improving the futures of young girls in Mwanzo by fostering leadership, independence, and confidence.

• Green Hub for Agri-business and Environmental Conservation: This project will focus on promoting sustainable farming practices while encouraging environmental conservation. It will provide a space for local farmers to learn about and adopt eco-friendly agricultural techniques, while also promoting green initiatives to improve environmental sustainability in the area.

• Installation of a Police Post: To enhance security and safety in Mwanzo, a police post will be established. This permanent presence will help address crime and ensure that residents feel safer in their homes and communities.

Prioritized Projects for Kipkaren Site and Service Informal Settlement

Similarly, Kipkaren, another key informal settlement in Uasin Gishu, will benefit from an array of projects aimed at improving social infrastructure, economic opportunities, and security. The following projects were identified as priorities:

• Improvement of Kipkaren Playground: The playground will undergo significant upgrades, including fencing, grading, and landscaping. These improvements will make the space safer and more accessible for community members, particularly children, while also creating a space for recreational activities and community events.

• Community Centre with Social Hall, Day Care, and ICT Centre: This multipurpose facility will serve as a hub for various community activities, offering social services, a daycare for working parents, and an ICT centre for learning and business activities. This will greatly enhance access to resources for both children and adults, fostering an environment of growth and opportunity.

• Community Water Point Installation: Consistent access to clean water will be ensured through the installation of a community water point. This will significantly improve living conditions for residents, making it easier to access water for daily needs and reducing the burden of water collection.

• Market Stalls for Small-Scale Traders: Similar to Mwanzo, Kipkaren will see the establishment of organized market stalls for small-scale traders. This will help foster local economic activity by providing a designated space for vendors to sell their goods in a more structured and supportive environment.

• Solid Waste Collection Points and Recycling Centre: Environmental sustainability is a key component of KISIP’s initiatives. Kipkaren will benefit from the establishment of solid waste collection points and a recycling centre, helping to address waste management issues while promoting sustainability and community involvement in environmental conservation.

• Installation of Patrol Police Post: As part of efforts to improve security, a patrol police post will be established in Kipkaren. This will help provide a safer living environment and address concerns around crime in the area.

• Training on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): Recognizing the vulnerability of informal settlements to natural disasters, Kipkaren will receive training on disaster risk reduction. This training will equip residents with the skills and knowledge to prepare for and respond to potential disasters, improving the community's resilience.

Looking Ahead: The Way Forward for Uasin Gishu

Ms. Beatrice Menjo, the Coordinator for KISIP Component 2 in Uasin Gishu, expressed optimism about the future as the projects move into the implementation phase. “The prioritization of these projects marks a significant step toward transforming the lives of residents in Kipkaren and Mwanzo. In the coming months, we expect to see the tangible results of these investments, which will not only improve physical infrastructure but also enhance social cohesion, economic stability, and environmental sustainability within these communities,” Ms. Menjo said.

The community-driven nature of these projects ensures that they are not only tailored to the needs of the residents but also supported by their active involvement. This inclusive approach is expected to foster a sense of ownership among the people, ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the interventions.

As the projects move forward, the residents of Kipkaren and Mwanzo are poised to experience lasting improvements in their quality of life. From better access to social services, clean water, and economic opportunities, to enhanced security and environmental sustainability, these interventions are set to create a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous future for the communities in Uasin Gishu County.

January 24, 2025