Trans Nzoia County has officially begun the implementation of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for 44 project-affected persons (PAPs) in the Khalabana Informal Settlement, as part of the World Bank-funded Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP 2). This initiative, aimed at securing land tenure rights, is a significant step in formalizing land ownership for residents of Matumbei Ward in Endebess Sub-County.
Project Launch and Key Officials Involved
The launch event took place on Monday, led by Dr. Roselyn Nasiebanda, the Chief Officer for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development in Trans Nzoia County. Dr. Nasiebanda emphasized the importance of collaboration between the County Project Coordination Team (CPCT) and local residents to ensure the successful implementation of the program. The program is backed by international partners, including the World Bank, International Development Association (IDA), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the European Union.
Dr. Nasiebanda outlined the goal of the project, stating that over 47 community members would receive formal land tenure documents, including title deeds. “This is a pivotal stage in the project where residents will be relocated to newly planned plots after receiving consent and facilitation,” she said.
Survey and Planning Processes Near Completion
According to Ezekiel Khatili, the County Surveyor and member of the CPCT, the survey and planning processes are almost complete. “We have identified 44 residents who will benefit from the resettlement. Once their relocation is complete, the land ownership documents will be submitted to the Nairobi Lands Office for title production,” he explained. Khatili expressed confidence that the cooperation from the community would expedite the issuance of the title deeds.
Addressing Land Tenure Insecurity
The KISIP 2 project targets long-standing issues of land tenure insecurity in the Khalabana area, where residents have lacked formal land ownership for over a decade. By formalizing land ownership, the initiative will provide residents with the ability to use their land as collateral, which is expected to open up economic opportunities and improve livelihoods.
Support from Safeguards Officers and Local Community
Pamela Indimuli, the Social Safeguards Officer, and Diana Modani, the Environmental Safeguards Officer, praised the community’s cooperation throughout the process. Both officers highlighted the challenges posed by land tenure insecurity and emphasized the positive impact the program will have on the community’s future.
KISIP 2: A Step Towards Sustainable Urban Development
The Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP 2) aims to improve living conditions in Kenya’s informal settlements by focusing on land tenure regularization, urban planning, and infrastructure development. Through this program, Trans Nzoia County seeks to address critical issues faced by informal settlement residents, offering them formal land ownership and better opportunities for growth and development.
As the implementation of this project progresses, it is expected to transform Khalabana Informal Settlement, improving the livelihoods of residents and enhancing the overall urban landscape in the area. The continued support from both local and international stakeholders is crucial to ensuring the success of the land regularization process and its long-term benefits for the community.
