World Bank has partnered with Homa Bay government to implement a project meant to improve sanitation and security in informal settlements.
The Informal Settlements Improvement Programme (KISIP) will be implemented in Sofia, Makongeni and Shauri Yako slums in Homa Bay town, A thousand street slums in Oyugis town, Kendu Bay old town, Rusinga iIsland and Nyandiwa.
More than 4,800 youths have been hired to work on the project, which involves garbage collection, opening of drainage system and installing streetlights.
Governor Gladys Wanga , KISIP project coordinator Raymond Kirwa and World Bank Senior Urban Development Specialist Beatriz Eraso Piug said the project will change the slums.
Wanga described the project as community driven since labour force is sourced from local people.
The Sh1.47 billion project was launched in Soko Mjinga market in Shauri Yako, Homa Bay town. A groundbreaking ceremony for the installation of a solar street light was conducted at the market.
“Through the project we expect to reduce the sexual and gender based violence and insecurity associated with slums. Youths and women will also be economically empowered,” Wanga said.
The programme is divided into two sections. The first section which will involve improvement of roads and other infrastructure will cost Sh1.4 billion.
The second section, which will see solar street lights installed, will cost Sh27 million.
“We want our people to be committed to the project because it will earn them an income and contribute towards development of our economy,” Wanga said.
Kirwa said the project is community driven and has mechanisms to register complaints.
“The project tries to address other socioeconomic challenges including poverty levels which are associated with informal settlements. Full implementation of the programme will ensure a change of face of the selected slum areas,” he said.