The Nakuru County Government has received a substantial allocation of Sh 1 billion from the State Department of Housing and Urban Development for the enhancement of informal settlements in the region.
This initiative falls under the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Programme II (KISIP), funded by the World Bank.
“The County Government of Nakuru has been granted Shs 500 million to support ongoing projects aimed at improving access to basic services in several low-income settlements.”
The focus of this program extends beyond just upgrading slums; it includes enhancing drainage infrastructure, waste management, road improvement, and installing street lighting.
Mr. Kamau Kuria, the County Chief Officer responsible for Housing and Urban Development, highlighted that the project also encompasses issuing title deeds, laying sewerage lines, and ensuring water connectivity.
“The project aims to ensure that beneficiaries receive value for money and enjoy improved living conditions.”
The team overseeing the project comprises experts from various fields, including municipal services, environment, infrastructure, planning, and finance.
This collaboration aims to ensure the success of the initiatives.
“More than 400 informal settlement schemes across the country are set to benefit from the Sh31.7 billion in multilateral donor funding.”
Mr. George Arwa, the KISIP National Project Coordinator, emphasized that the funding aims to provide low-cost housing and improve infrastructure and amenities in various counties.
The project’s goals include enhancing land tenure security, improving infrastructure, and linking residents to socio-economic opportunities.
“By 2020, Kenya had witnessed close to a 7.6 million proportion of the urban population living in slums.”
The first phase of KISIP already made significant improvements in Nakuru County, including drainage infrastructure, waste management, and road tarmacking in several slums.
“The ongoing upgrade aligns with Governor Susan Kihika’s plan to redesign Nakuru town and improve its overall appearance.”
The project also focuses on community involvement, supporting residents in planning and obtaining land documents. It aims to provide hope and improve living conditions for thousands of residents in Nakuru’s informal settlements.
Residents express optimism about the project, expecting improved living standards and access to essential amenities.
Overall, the Nakuru Slum Upgrade project funded by the World Bank represents a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by residents in informal settlements, offering hope for a better future.
