The World Bank-funded Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Programme Phase Two (KISIP 2) is stepping up efforts to improve living conditions and expand economic opportunities in Eldoret’s informal settlements.
Implemented through the Uasin Gishu county government, the programme supports infrastructure development and socioeconomic inclusion initiatives aimed at improving access to essential services and creating livelihood opportunities for residents.
County director of housing Beatrice Menjo, who also heads Component Two (Socioeconomic Inclusion), hosted a delegation from the National Programme Coordination Team led by Douglas Kinyua, alongside Veronica Koech of Pamoja Trust.
The team visited the Mwanzo and Kipkaren informal settlements, where they engaged members of the Settlement Executive Committees (SECs) and Grievance Redress Committees (GRCs).
The programme has also benefited residents of Maili Nne and Shauri.
The four informal settlements have received infrastructure upgrades, including tarmacked roads, streetlights and drainage systems.
Speaking during the engagement, Menjo thanked the National Programme Coordination Team and Pamoja Trust for their continued technical support, guidance and collaboration.
“Their engagement with our teams and community structures is critical in ensuring we are adequately prepared to implement interventions that respond to the actual needs and priorities of our communities,” Menjo said.
She said Uasin Gishu remained committed to ensuring KISIP 2 delivers meaningful and lasting improvements to the lives of residents in the targeted settlements.
Kinyua commended the county for its preparedness in implementing the socioeconomic inclusion component, noting the active involvement of community structures.
“We appreciate the commitment demonstrated by the county team and the active involvement of community structures. This level of preparedness and stakeholder engagement is important in ensuring successful implementation and sustainable outcomes,” he said.
Among the proposed interventions in Mwanzo is a multipurpose community centre incorporating an ICT hub, tailoring and dressmaking facilities, sweater-sewing units and a daycare centre.
The plans also include vocational training facilities, improved healthcare and water infrastructure and initiatives to support traders, small-scale enterprises and youth empowerment.
Other proposed interventions include solar-powered streetlights, enhanced security, waste recovery facilities, stormwater drainage, disaster preparedness and environmental conservation initiatives.
Beyond infrastructure development, KISIP 2 seeks to address broader challenges facing informal settlements, including unemployment, poverty, insecurity, social exclusion and environmental degradation.
Through collaboration between the county and national governments and development partners, Uasin Gishu aims to build inclusive, safe, clean and resilient neighbourhoods.
As Eldoret continues its transformation into a modern city and a major economic hub in the North Rift, the programme presents an opportunity to ensure residents of informal settlements are included in the city’s development.
