The Trans Nzoia County Department of Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development held a key meeting with the County Assembly’s Lands Committee to discuss progress on the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP) 2. This project, funded by the National Government, World Bank, IDA, AFD, and County Government, aims to regularize land tenure for residents of Khalabana and Maridadi informal settlements.
During the meeting, CEC for Lands, Janerose Nasimiyu Mutama, presented detailed physical planning maps for both settlements, stressing the importance of the Lands Committee’s feedback before the plans are presented to the full County Assembly for approval. “This meeting ensures Lands Committee members have a prior picture on the planning and can provide valuable feedback,” Mutama said. “Their contributions will be considered before seeking County Assembly approval, streamlining the process.”
Mutama also addressed broader concerns related to unplanned market areas across the county. She noted that unregulated settlement patterns often lead to conflicts when the department implements formal plans, particularly in areas where residents have settled without following proper procedures. “Public participation is crucial,” Mutama explained. “Sometimes residents settle without following proper procedures, exceeding the available plots. This creates conflict when the department steps in later.”
She encouraged County Assembly members to allocate funds from their ward-specific budgets to support planning for smaller, local markets. Relying solely on the Lands Department could result in delays, she warned. “This financial year, our budget covers planning for three urban areas. Reaching local markets will take longer. By allocating some funds for market planning in your wards, we can expedite the process.”
Once the plans for Khalabana and Maridadi are finalized, the department will meet again with the committee for final approval before proceeding with implementation. Residents in these areas can then expect to receive formal land ownership documents, bringing much-needed security and stability to their lives.
Mutama also praised the committee’s support, especially regarding the recent approval of Kiminini’s town status. The status is expected to be gazetted this week, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has pledged funding for the town’s official launch. “Collaboration with the State Department for Housing and Urban Development is also underway,” she added. “A 300 million Kenyan shilling modern market is planned for Kiminini, alongside smaller markets in Kwanza, Endebess, and Saboti, with construction already underway in Sibanga and Bikeke.”
The Lands Committee Chair, representing Sirende Ward, commended the department’s progress and the support from the World Bank. He called for an expansion of the program to assist other wards with informal settlements, helping more residents secure land titles. “Many other informal settlements require assistance for residents to obtain land titles,” the Chair noted.
The committee pledged to continue supporting the department in fulfilling its mandate, acknowledging the role of devolution in bringing essential services closer to the people of Trans Nzoia.
