The County Government of Trans Nzoia, through the Department of Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development, held a critical stakeholder validation meeting in Kitale to assess the draft Slum Upgrading and Prevention Strategy. The strategy aims to address the challenges of informal settlements while implementing preventive measures to curb the rise of new slums.
The forum was led by County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Lands, Phanice Khatundi, and Chief Officer Dr. Roselyne Nasiebanda, in collaboration with various technical stakeholders.
🔍 Key Objectives of the Strategy:
✔️ Improve living conditions in informal settlements.
✔️ Implement phased development actions over the next 5 to 10 years.
✔️ Align with the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and Annual Development Plan (ADP).
✔️ Enhance tenure security and upgrade infrastructure.
📢 Strategic Stakeholder Engagement
Speaking at the meeting, CEC Lands Phanice Khatundi emphasized the county’s commitment to eradicating slums through sustainable urban development.
“This strategy will be instrumental in fostering sustainable urban growth and improving living conditions in informal settlements across Trans Nzoia. Our focus is not only on upgrading but also on preventing the emergence of new slums,” she stated.
She reiterated Governor George Natembeya’s support for the initiative, stressing that stakeholder input would ensure the plan is both actionable and aligned with broader county development policies.
🛠️ KISIP Phase 2: Strengthening Urban Infrastructure
The initiative is part of the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP) Phase 2, funded by the National Government, County Government, World Bank, International Development Association (IDA), and Agency Française de Développement (AFD).
✔️ Primary Focus Areas:
- Upgrading infrastructure in informal settlements.
- Enhancing tenure security.
- Providing essential services through community engagement.
Dr. Roselyne Nasiebanda highlighted that KISIP Phase 2 will directly improve the livelihoods of residents in Trans Nzoia’s informal settlements.
“By integrating community participation, we ensure that solutions are sustainable and address the actual needs of the people,” she noted.
🏢 Expert Insights and Public Participation
Titus Musungu, the lead consultant from GEO Dev Consultancy, elaborated on the extensive data collection and community engagement efforts that shaped the draft strategy.
“This strategy is not just about upgrading existing informal settlements but also about putting preventive mechanisms in place to curb the emergence of new slums,” he said.
✅ Key Technical Stakeholders Involved:
- County Project Coordination Team (CPCT)
- GEO Dev Consultancy team
- Kenya Power
- National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)
- Trans-Nzoia Water and Sewerage Company (Trans-WASCO)
💬 Public Consultation & Community Engagement
Looking ahead, Trans Nzoia County KISIP 2 Project Coordinator Edith Baraza announced plans to extend public participation efforts.
📅 Upcoming Public Forum: 📍 Location: Kitale Museums Hall
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM
“Tomorrow, the GEO Dev Consultancy team will present the draft strategy to members of the public. This forum is essential in ensuring community involvement and raising awareness about the proposed interventions,” Baraza disclosed.
🌟 A Step Towards Sustainable Urban Development
The validation meeting marked a crucial step in addressing urbanization challenges in Trans Nzoia. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the strategy will effectively transform informal settlements and drive sustainable urban growth across the county.
📈 Next Steps:
- Incorporation of stakeholder feedback.
- Finalization and adoption of the strategy.
- Phased implementation in line with county development plans.
As Trans Nzoia advances its urban development agenda, the collective efforts of government, stakeholders, and communities will be pivotal in ensuring long-term, impactful change.
