Youth Trained for Slum Prevention and Upgrading Research in Uasin Gishu
A group of youth from the six subcounties of Uasin Gishu—Kapseret, Kesses, Turbo, Moiben, Soy, and Ainabkoi—has embarked on a vital training program focused on slum prevention and upgrading. This initiative comes in response to Eldoret’s recent designation as a city, highlighting the urgent need to prevent the emergence of new slums and improve existing ones.
Under the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Programme, GEODEV consultants are leading the research aimed at developing effective strategies to enhance living conditions, particularly through improved water and sanitation services.
At the official opening of the training session, Director of Housing Ms. Beatrice Menjo emphasized the importance of the research, stating it will provide critical insights to help prevent new slum developments as residents seek affordable housing options.
She specifically noted areas like Langas that require immediate intervention to curb their expansion. “This exercise is crucial as it will assist the government in assessing current conditions and proposing strategies to contain and improve existing slums. The livability of our residents is key,” said Ms. Menjo. She highlighted the need for evaluating water and sanitation services alongside other essential infrastructure improvements.
The youth participants will engage directly with local communities, utilizing questionnaires to gather data from residents of existing slums, local businesses, and community leaders.
Loice Loo, the team leader from GEODEV, stated that the research is expected to play a pivotal role in guiding policy decisions and interventions aimed at fostering a more sustainable urban environment in Eldoret and the wider Uasin Gishu County.
This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of local authorities and community members to address the challenges posed by urbanization, ensuring that the growth of Eldoret is inclusive and sustainable.
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