Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has expressed optimism that Kitale Municipality will qualify for the second phase of the Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP 2), a transformative initiative funded by the World Bank through the State Department of Housing.
Governor Natembeya, speaking after a consultative meeting with a State Department of Housing consultancy team, noted that Kitale has fulfilled 98% of the project’s rigorous requirements.
“We are making great strides toward meeting all the conditions set by the World Bank. With the current progress, I am optimistic that Kitale Municipality will qualify for this funding, which will greatly enhance infrastructure and service delivery for our residents,” said Natembeya.
Remaining Compliance Milestones
The county government is addressing the final requirements, which include appointing a private sector representative to the municipal board and completing a solid waste management report. These actions are expected to be finalized before the compliance deadline.
Key Stakeholder Support
The Governor’s confidence was echoed by Janerose Nasimiyu Mutama, County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development, and Dr. Roselyne Nasiebanda, Chief Officer for the same department.
“This funding is critical for implementing projects such as street lighting, water and sewerage systems, and solid waste management, which will directly benefit residents,” said Nasimiyu.
“We are committed to meeting all partner requirements to unlock this vital support for Kitale Municipality,” added Dr. Nasiebanda.
Consultancy Review and Progress
The consultancy team from ACA Consultancy, led by John Mungaru, acknowledged Kitale Municipality’s significant progress, with five of six minimum conditions already met.
“The only outstanding issue is the appointment of a private sector representative to the municipal board. On performance standards, only one area—solid waste management implementation—requires further action, but a plan is in place,” Mungaru shared.
He also emphasized the importance of accountability and prudent fund management, warning of potential penalties, including refunds, for any misuse of funds.
“Receiving the funds is only the first step. Proper management and execution are key to ensuring the program’s success,” he said.
Public Participation and Private Sector Integration
The consultancy team underscored the critical role of public participation and private sector involvement in the success of KUSP 2.
“The private sector is integral to this program. I urge the municipal board to ensure consistent representation from this sector in decision-making processes,” Mungaru advised.
Additionally, the team encouraged the municipality to seek supplementary funding from development grants and international partners to bolster the program’s impact.
Collaborative Efforts Driving Success
Trans-Nzoia County KUSP 2 Coordinator Kenneth Lang’at commended the consultancy team for their support, noting its transformative impact on Kitale’s urban development prospects.
Kitale Municipal Manager Irine Nang’ole praised the collaboration between the municipal board and county government, highlighting their near-completion of compliance requirements.
“The dedication of the municipal board and county government has brought us this far. We are nearly there, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together,” Nang’ole said.
Transformative Urban Development for Kitale
The KUSP 2 project promises to catalyze critical improvements in Kitale’s urban infrastructure and services, including street lighting, water and sewerage systems, and enhanced waste management. The initiative aims to enhance residents’ quality of life and position Kitale Municipality as a model for sustainable urban development.
With continued efforts and strategic partnerships, Kitale Municipality is set to unlock transformative funding that will usher in a new era of urban excellence.
