Five informal settlements in Kitale are getting better living conditions and infrastructure under a Sh1 billion project to transform life and increase income in Trans Nzoia county.
The Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project Phase 2 (KISIP 2) covers Matisi, Tuwan, Kipsongo, Shanti and Mitume.
Trans Nzoia is a major partner in the projects and Governor George Natembeya says the work is progressing well.
The projects will enable residents to benefit from good roads and lighting for security, plus clean water and other improvements.
The projects, now 60 per cent complete, also attempt to regularise land tenure and increase income-generating activities.
“We are working well with our development partners to ensure the KISIP2 projects are well implemented within the set time,” Natembeya said on Saturday.
The projects are a multi-stakeholder effort by the Trans Nzoia government, the national government, the World Bank, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), International Development Association (IDA), and the European Union.
Martine Maina, who is the site engineer at SIHAAM Construction Company, outlined achievements so far.
Several major roads have been tarmacked, including the Kerra Link roads and Usafi Road in Kitale town.
“Currently, we are focusing on footpaths, pavement construction and street lighting installation,” Maina said.
He expressed optimism about on-time completion, crediting support from stakeholders and the public for the progress.
Roselyne Nasiebanda, who is the chief officer for Lands, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development, emphasised the projects’ broader impact on residents’ livelihoods.
Despite challenges such as adverse weather, the contractor has remained focused, she said.
Priority was being given to empowering youth and women, enhancing security through streetlights and high-mast lighting and providing income-generating opportunities.
“This socio-economic focus ensures the project delivers both tangible infrastructure and lasting community transformation,” she said.
County project coordinator Edith Baraza said the government was dedicated to improving infrastructure and essential services.
“We aim to provide clean water, proper stormwater drainage and basic amenities like ablution blocks, clean water, proper stormwater drainage and basic amenities like ablution blocks, especially in Kipsongo settlement,” she said.
Project consultant Jorim Oduor underscored the importance of quality assurance and environmental considerations in implementing the projects.
“We always ensure we comply with all environmental safety standards and measures,” he said.
Residents led by Peter Wafula and Emmanuel Mogire said they were impressed by the positive impact of the projects on residents’ lives.
“With better roads and lighting, we are sure to improve the economic activities in this region and hence, increase our incomes,” Mogire said.
Instant analysis
Kitale town with a population of more than 250,000 people has been suffering from bad roads and poor security mostly in its informal settlements. The Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement project covers Matisi, Tuwan, Kipsongo, Shanti and Mitume. The project is upgrading infrastructure, such as roads and lighting, as well as living conditions.
