The Trans Nzoia County Department of Lands, Housing, Physical Planning, and Urban Development has officially taken over a significant infrastructure milestone — a small works floodlighting project aimed at transforming life in five informal settlements. The high-mast floodlights, valued at KSh 27 million, were installed under Phase Two of the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Project (KISIP2), a partnership involving the World Bank, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the International Development Association (IDA), the National Government, and the County Government.

Speaking during the official handover, Jimmy Malanga, the small works project manager, emphasized the transformative impact of the initiative.
“With five high-mast floodlights standing at 30 meters tall, the project aims to enhance night-time visibility, reduce crime, and extend business hours,” he said.

Illuminating Lives in Informal Settlements

The project saw the installation of five high-mast floodlights strategically placed at:

• Tuwan
  
• Mitume kwa Chief
  
• Kipsongo Primary Vocational Training
  
• Shanti
  
• Matisi Girls Secondary School
  

These locations were chosen based on population density, security risk, and economic activity. With increased lighting, residents are now able to operate businesses longer into the night, travel more safely, and participate more confidently in community activities.

During the handover event, SOBOCN Consultancy Resident Engineer Jorim Oduor confirmed the project’s completion and operational readiness.

“The works are substantially complete and ready to serve the community. The contractor has delivered quality installations that will greatly benefit residents,” he noted.

Safeguarding Public Investments

Pamela Indimuli, the Social Safeguards Officer for KISIP2 in Trans Nzoia County, who represented the county project coordinator Edith Baraza, emphasized the importance of community involvement in protecting the new infrastructure.

“We need SEC and GRC members to educate the public on the importance of safeguarding these floodlights. The county will organize sensitization meetings involving sub-county and ward administrators, chiefs, and assistant chiefs,” she said.

This call for community vigilance comes amid rising concerns over past vandalism of public property in informal settlements. Architect David Waudo, a CPCT project member, echoed these concerns, urging residents to treat the installations as communal assets.

“The problem of vandalism cannot be solved by the Department of Public Works alone. It requires collective responsibility to ensure the security and longevity of these installations,” Waudo stated.

Economic Impact and Local Praise

Local leaders and stakeholders have praised the project, highlighting its impact on both safety and economic development.
Samuel Mugendi, a trader at Tuwan Market, lauded the project’s relevance to small businesses:

“This project is a game changer. Business hours will extend, and security concerns will be addressed. Even boda boda operators will benefit.”

Moses Karanja, Board Chairperson at Matisi Friends Girls High School, expressed gratitude on behalf of the education sector, citing improved safety for students and teachers during evening hours.

A Collaborative Effort Towards Urban Resilience

The CPCT team, including members Titus Ndalila, Eric Ngetich, Allan Kirui, Jimmy Malanga, Diana Modani, Peter Ngenga, and contractor Rodah Owino, attended the handover ceremony, marking the end of a successful collaborative project.

As plans for the official commissioning ceremony begin, the County Government of Trans Nzoia reaffirmed its commitment to working with national and international partners to create safer, more resilient, and economically empowered informal settlements.

The message was clear:
✔️ Security is a cornerstone of development.
✔️ Community ownership is vital for sustainability.
✔️ Lighting up neighborhoods lights up possibilities for all.