KISIP roles out Kes 900 Million slum upgrade program in Trans Nzoia
Over 200,000 dwellers of Matisi, Tuwan, Shanti, Kipsongo, Mitume and other makeshift estates of Kitale in Trans Nzoia are set to benefit from a slum upgrade program courtesy of the World Bank, the national government and the county administration.
Governor George Natembeya on Friday launched the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Program II (KISIP-II) at Kipsongo, which aims at upgrading the slum areas in a bid to provide enhanced amenities to the dwellers.
Speaking at the launch attended by a mammoth crowd, Natembeya disclosed that the slated activities for the next one-year entail tarmacking of road networks within the slums, installation of streetlights, enhancing water connectivity and opening up of drainages.
Natembeya assured the local communities that he had instructed contractors offering the upgrade services in the identified area to prioritize them in job opportunities and that save for the technical areas that require high expertise, the other jobs would be sourced locally.
“The positive changes for these areas begin today to ensure that our people live dignified lives. You will have better access to water, drainage systems will be improved and streetlights will be installed,” said the county boss.
He challenged the communities in which the upgrade projects are undertaken to own them up and safeguard them from vandalism and theft citing that the developments were for their own benefits and not for the government as perceived by others.
Natembeya noted that development projects cost huge sums of money citing road tarmacking as an example and that it was uncalled for to destroy amenities that were meant for general public use.
The governor noted that the new developments will help foster economic growth pointing out that installation of the streetlights will ensure that businesses can run for 24 hours since security will be enhanced.
He at the same time assured those who will be affected by the projects that the government will compensate them so that they can give way for the benefit of the larger community.
Approximately Kes 900 million has been earmarked for the second phase of the KISIP infrastructure program alone.
The program KISIP II program also includes tenure regularization for Khalabana and Maridadi informal settlements in Endebbess and Kwanza sub counties respectively.
Lands, Housing and Urban Planning County Executive Janerose Mutama noted that while Trans Nzoia was blessed with land fertility, it was also blessed with human fertility and that there was need to plan for land and housing of the increasing populations.
“It is hence our responsibility to regulate minute land subdivision and change of user for developments undertaken in the parcels of land. We are committed to do this to improve the lives of our people,” said Ms Mutama.
She hailed the governor for his 10-point agenda on development that includes the housing program and assured that she would spearhead the governor’s agenda that fall under her docket.
Chief Officer in the department, Dr. Roseline Nasiebanda called on contractors to ensure they have the requisite documentations even as she challenged them to fast track the works so that their dues could also be processed in good time.
Her sentiments were echoed by the County Assembly chairperson for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Alfred Weswa who challenged the contractors to do quality work so that value for money is realized.
The auspicious occasion was also graced by the County Secretary Truphosa Amere, County Executives Jackson Amboka (Roads), Dr. Pepela Wanjala (Environment), Chief Officers Dorothy Nyukuri (Water), Philip Kapten (Public Service) and Eng. Wasike (Public Works).
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