Less than two weeks after the launch of the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Program (KISIP-II) in Kipsongo, Trans Nzoia County’s Lands, Housing, and Urban Planning Executive, Janerose Mutama, has spearheaded discussions with stakeholders to advance the construction works. KISIP-II, funded by the World Bank, aims to upgrade informal settlements in Matisi, Tuwan, Kipsongo, Shanti, and Mitume areas of Kitale. The program is designed to provide residents with better living conditions through improved infrastructure, including tarmacked roads, streetlight installations, enhanced water connectivity, and unclogged drainage systems.
The three-day forum brought together key stakeholders such as the Project Coordination Team (CPCT), Grievances Redress Committee (GRC), Settlement Evaluation Committee (SEC), and members of the general public. The discussions aimed to establish a harmonious working relationship between the project implementation team and the communities residing in the informal settlements, addressing concerns and averting potential conflicts.
To quell fears of local residents being excluded from job opportunities during the project, Sihaam Construction Company Limited, the contractor, agreed to involve community members in various aspects of the work. County Social Safeguards Officer Pamela Indimuli and CECM Janerose Mutama emphasized that while not all tasks will require manual labor, locals should focus on available opportunities and demand only what can realistically be provided.
Edith Baraza, the project coordinator, urged the communities to cooperate with the contractor to ensure timely completion of the work. She encouraged those given the chance to participate to approach the job diligently and deliver quality work.
Engineer Marthin Maina, representing Sihaam Construction, assured community members that job opportunities would be available for both technical and non-skilled workers. Skilled labor roles would include assistant machine operators, tipper drivers, carpenters, masons, and plumbers, while non-skilled positions would cover other menial tasks.
Local leaders, including the area chief and ward administrators, warned residents against vandalizing the ongoing projects. The public participation sessions were also attended by local Members of County Assembly (MCAs) Francis Obingo (Tuwan) and Obed Mahanga Mwale (Matisi), who pledged full support for the IFAD-World Bank-funded projects. They emphasized the importance of timely project completion to benefit the informal settlements.
The KISIP-II project is a significant step toward improving the living conditions of residents in Trans Nzoia County’s informal settlements, with community engagement playing a vital role in ensuring the project’s success.
