The Kenya Informal Settlements Programme (KISP) has been introduced to improve the status of slum areas in selected trading centres in Homa Bay.
The sh1.4 billion project is funded by the World Bank in partnership with the National Government and the county government.
The project involves tarmacking of roads, improvement of water supply, installation of solar-powered street lights, and improvement of sewer lines among other activities for improving the slums.
Some of the selected slum areas include in Rusinga Old Town in Mbita, Athousand Street in Oyugis town, Nyandiwa in Suba South, Sofia and Shauri Yako estates in Homa Bay town.
Governor Gladys Wanga together with Mbita Deputy County Commissioner Peter Mutiso said implementation of the project will facelift the status of the slum areas.
One of the project implementers who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NAS International Group Nicholas Airo was present as well.
The project is expected to take one year to complete.
Wanga said the project is going to improve the economic status of Homa Bay residents.
“The tarmacked roads will enhance business activities and address complaints raised in the informal settlements. Poor living standards impede people’s efforts in wealth creation,” Wanga said.
Speaking in Rusinga Old Town when she launched the project, the governor expressed happiness that the project will increase trading hours.
The project is also going to improve the cleanliness of the informal settlements and sanitation in general.
Residents were urged to win the projects as they will also provide labour.
Some of the labour-intensive activities they will undertake are digging trenches to control flooding, unclogging blocked drainages, clearing bushes, collecting garbage, planting trees, and installing street lights among others.
“A conducive working place will prevent the spread of diseases among our people. The government wants to transform your business environment,” Wanga said.
Ayiro said they are tasked with installing solar lights in Rusinga Old Town through the project.
Similar installation will be done in Oyugis, Makongeni in Homa Bay town and other slum areas.
“We are installing solar-powered street lights to improve security. Residents especially traders cut their business short because of darkness,” Ayiro said.
Mutiso urged residents to avoid vandalism of the project.
He argued that the project is meant for residents hence they should consider it as what will transform their lives.
“Let residents avoid vandalism of this project. It is meant to transform their lives,” Mutiso said.