KISIP Launches upgrade of informal settlement in Khalabana

Physical planners from the Kenya Informal Settlement Program (KISIP) have today launched the spatial planning exercise for Khalabana informal settlement in Matumbei ward, Endebess Sub County.

The exercise supported by the World Bank as well as the national and county governments seeks to empower communities in the area so they can have enhanced livelihoods.

KISIP has contracted Spatial Milestone Consultants for the one-year program that entails planning, survey, beaconing and titling of the seven acres parcel of land which has been adjudicated for a marketplace.

Speaking during the launch, Lead Consultant Stephen Ngari assured beneficiaries that the exercise will not displace anyone who rightfully occupies parcel(s) of land within the settlement scheme and called for collaborative efforts to fast track the process.

The program is a nip in the bud for the occupiers of the informal settlement who have been yearning to get the vital ownership documents so they can use them as collateral to secure development loans from financial institutions.

Spatial Milestone Physical Planner Irene Mwaniki disclosed that a socio-economic survey would be done and an enumeration of the structure owners before a validation exercise by the SEC members after which planning will be done and approved by the County Assembly.

This, she added, will guide the improvement of infrastructure including road networks, water piping and power connectivity among other amenities.

She added that the initial phase that involve land tenure regularization will culminate in allotment letters for the occupiers of the parcels of land and there after issuance of title deeds.

Members of the SEC and Grievance Redress Committee who are part of the beneficiary communities were engaged in the exercise and were also trained on their mandates in representing the community for the entire program period.

A representative of the National Lands Commission Mr. Bii affirmed the beneficiaries that they will get 99 years leaseholds for their parcels adding that all urban and market centres across the country were on leaseholds.

Members of the community welcomed the program citing that it was bound to attract economic gains hence making their livelihoods better.
KISIP Trans Nzoia County Coordinator Edith Barasa asked the beneficiaries to have faith and confidence in the program noting that it was the only best way to fast track it for their own benefit.