The Trans Nzoia County Project Coordination Team (CPCT) has commended the remarkable progress achieved under the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Project Phase 2 (KISIP2). The project is significantly enhancing living conditions in five informal settlements: Matisi, Tuwan, Mitume, Kipsongo, and Shanti.

Speaking during a site visit, County Project Coordinator Edith Baraza highlighted notable advancements, especially in drainage and water supply. She attributed the improved pace of construction to reduced rainfall.

“We are impressed with the progress so far, especially in drainage and water supply works. The ongoing efforts are significantly transforming these settlements,” Baraza said.

Key Achievements

1. Water Supply and Drainage:
   
   • Completion of excavation, pipe laying, and pressure testing for a 1.6 km water supply system in Matisi.
   • Connection of clean and safe water to 59 households in Matisi.
2. Road Construction:
   Progress has been noted on several roads, including:
   
   • Matisi: KERRA Link Road (1.6 km), Kiberenge Road (0.9 km), and Sokomoko Road (0.45 km).
   • Mitume: Umoja Link Road (0.14 km), Usafi Road (1.83 km), Hospital Road (0.58 km), and Apostolic Road (0.2 km).
   • Tuwan: Kitale East Road (1.0 km) and Tudadi Road (0.7 km).
   • Shanti: Kitale Kisewe Road (0.3 km).
     Current activities include excavation, rockfill laying, geotextile placement, and subbase compaction.
3. Sanitation:
   Construction of an ablution block in Kipsongo is 60% complete. Baraza described it as a critical facility to improve hygiene in the settlement.
   

Collaboration Key to Success
Eng. Martin Maina, the contractor’s representative from SIHAAM Limited, emphasized the collaborative approach between technical officers and the community. “Despite initial challenges, we are achieving our milestones due to the synergy between technical officers and the community,” he said.

Resident Engineer Jorim Oduor from SOBOCON and County Architect David Waudo also attended the site visit and echoed sentiments on the project’s positive impact.

Broader Impact
Funded by the International Development Association (World Bank) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD), KISIP2 is set to transform informal settlements in Trans Nzoia County by enhancing accessibility, sanitation, and public health.

The CPCT and stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring timely completion and maximizing the benefits of the project for the communities.