The Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project Phase 2 (KISIP2), funded by the World Bank, continues to make remarkable progress in Trans Nzoia County. With an overall completion rate of 61%, the project has been a game-changer for five informal settlements: Kipsongo, Shanti, Mitume, Tuwan, and Matisi.
Implemented by Sihaam Limited, KISIP2 is focused on improving essential infrastructure, including road networks, drainage systems, and water access. The project is currently ahead of schedule, achieving this milestone within just 57% of the contractual timeframe.
🏛️ County Government’s Commitment to Timely Completion
During the 7th site visit meeting, Trans Nzoia County CEC Member for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development, Phanice Khatundi, commended the project’s progress and reaffirmed the county’s dedication to ensuring its successful completion.
✔️ Expedited approvals to prevent delays.
✔️ Effective grievance redress mechanisms to resolve issues efficiently.
✔️ Strong collaboration with stakeholders for seamless implementation.
“KISIP2 has shown that with effective leadership and collaboration, we can transform informal settlements into sustainable urban spaces,” said CEC Khatundi.
💧 Addressing Drainage & Water Access Concerns
Trans Nzoia Chief Officer for Lands, Dr. Roselyn Nasiebanda, emphasized the county’s proactive measures in addressing residents’ concerns, particularly around drainage challenges.
✔️ Improved urban planning strategies to mitigate flooding.
✔️ Community engagement to ensure infrastructure meets residents’ needs.
✔️ Environmental safeguards to maintain long-term project sustainability.
📌 National Project Coordination Team (NPCT) Commendation
The NPCT team, led by Engineer Blanton Gitau, praised the county government’s leadership and adherence to project quality standards. Additionally, Mrs. Yvonne from NPCT underscored the importance of community involvement, highlighting:
🔹 The role of the Settlement Executive Committee (SEC).
🔹 The effectiveness of the Grievance Redress Committee (GRC).
🔹 Social and environmental safeguards as key project pillars.
👷 Job Creation & Youth Empowerment
Sihaam Limited has not only improved infrastructure but has also provided employment opportunities for local youth, ensuring a skills transfer program that benefits the community in the long term.
📊 February Workforce Statistics:
✔️ 181 casual workers engaged in the project.
✔️ 135 male & 46 female workers employed from the settlements.
🚧 Road Construction & Infrastructure Progress
Sihaam Limited Site Engineer Martin Maina confirmed significant advancements in road construction despite earlier setbacks such as the national bitumen shortage. Looking ahead:
✔️ 2.5 km of roads are scheduled for tarmacking in the coming weeks.
✔️ A target of 5 km completion by the next site visit.
💦 Water Access Expansion
✔️ 541 households have regained water connectivity.
✔️ Discussions ongoing for subsidies to achieve 2,500 new household connections.
📢 What’s Next?
As KISIP2 enters its final stages, key priorities include:
✅ Fast-tracking the completion of remaining infrastructure work.
✅ Enhancing social safeguards & increasing community participation.
✅ Finalizing road tarmacking & expanding water connections.
With strong leadership, collaboration, and resilience, KISIP2 is setting a new standard for informal settlement transformation in Trans Nzoia County. 🚀
