Kisumu County is set to witness a transformative facelift in six of its informal settlements, thanks to a substantial financial injection of Sh1.3 billion from the World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD). This funding, allocated through the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project’s second phase (KISIP 2), aims to significantly enhance the quality of life for residents in these areas by improving infrastructure and access to essential services.
The project’s focal points include the overhaul of the road network, ensuring residents have access to clean piped water, and enhancing sewerage systems. Additionally, the initiative will see the installation of drainage systems, high mast flood lights for improved security, and street lighting to foster a safer and more vibrant community environment.
Tom Mboya, the Kisumu County KISIP 2 Coordinator, revealed that 14 roads across Bandani, Manyatta A, Manyatta B, Kibuye, and Muhoroni are slated for upgrading to bitumen standards. This development is expected to open up these informal settlements, improving connectivity and facilitating easier access. The project also includes the installation of proper drainage systems and street lighting, with high mast flood lights to be erected at Migosi and Nyawita to bolster security and support local businesses.
Construction commenced on January 18, 2024, with the first lot covering Bandani, Manyatta A, Manyatta B, Migosi, and Nyawita, and is projected to conclude by January 18, 2025. Despite some delays in Lot 2, covering Muhoroni and Kibuye due to legislative hurdles, there is optimism for the timely commencement of work.
This initiative marks a significant delay from its original 2020 start date, primarily attributed to the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, contractors have been allotted an additional year beyond the completion date to address and rectify any defects, ensuring the longevity and quality of the infrastructure developments.
Beyond infrastructural improvements, the KISIP 2 initiative is poised to have a profound impact on the local economy and social fabric. Over 600 youths from the targeted informal settlements are expected to secure employment through the project, thereby reducing unemployment and crime rates in these areas. The project also emphasizes community involvement, with the Settlement Executive Committees (SEC) playing a crucial role in ensuring the community’s needs and aspirations are met.
Residents and local leaders have expressed strong support for the project, highlighting its potential to enhance mobility, security, and economic activity in the area. The installation of security lights, for example, is anticipated to extend business hours for local traders and improve overall safety. The community’s active participation and the comprehensive oversight by national and county government representatives, alongside World Bank and consulting engineers, promise a high standard of work and a successful outcome for the Kisumu County informal settlements facelift project.
Kisumu City News
