Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka says the county is witnessing transformative change in its informal settlements through the ongoing implementation of the second phase of the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Project (KISIP2).
Several ongoing projects under the programme, spearheaded by the State Department of Housing and Urban Development in collaboration with county governments, are financed by the World Bank, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the European Union.
Governor Lusaka, speaking at Chwele, lauded the initiative for its potential to improve livelihoods in the region.
“These transformations are not only aimed at making the environment more habitable but also at creating an enabling environment for economic activities, contributing to economic growth,” he said.
The project focuses on enhancing living conditions in urban informal settlements through improved access to clean water, upgraded road infrastructure, proper waste management, and the installation of street and floodlights to address insecurity.
Lusaka said he was happy that Bungoma county would greatly benefit from the projects.
Two key settlements—Mjini and Landi Matope—are undergoing significant upgrades.
Mjini, which is home to 6,597 residents, spans 7.52 kilometers, while Landi Matope covers 26.20 kilometers with a population of 4,761.
Together, the two settlements cover 33.72 kilometers and house 11,358 people.
Extensive works on targeted projects began on August 23, 2024.
In Landi Matope, a 2.25-kilometer road is under construction, along with 2.25 kilometers of footpaths, drainage systems, and the installation of 22 streetlights.
At the same time Mjini will benefit from a 1.588-kilometer road, 1.588 kilometers of footpaths, 1.846 kilometers of drainage, a 12.7-kilometer water supply line, a 1.15-kilometer sanitation system, nine streetlights, and the rehabilitation of a high mast floodlight.
The projects will cost Sh378 million.
The installation of floodlights was necessitated by high crime rates in slum areas.
Governor Lusaka, who was inspecting some of the ongoing works, highlighted the importance of this effort said.
“Improved lighting will help end insecurity and allow residents to thrive in their daily activities.”
Lusaka also announced additional measures to improve infrastructure and services in Bungoma county.
He revealed that upgrades in Landi Matope are expected to be completed by June 2025, depending on weather conditions.
Furthermore, the county government has funded the installation of transformers in every ward to ensure electricity access for all households.
In a separate development, governor Lusaka disclosed that the construction of a modern market in Chwele has been awarded to a contractor at a cost of Sh345 million.
“This market will boost trade and provide a conducive environment for our traders, further enhancing the local economy,” he added.
KISIP2’s ongoing works aim to break the cycle of poverty by addressing the root challenges of overcrowding, lack of essential services and insecure land tenure in informal settlements.
These efforts are transforming lives, one settlement at a time and Lusaka said his administration would ensure full success of the projects.
