The County Government of Trans Nzoia, through its Department of Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development, convened a key stakeholder meeting to validate the County’s Slum Upgrading and Prevention Strategy. The event was part of the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP) Phase 2, a collaborative effort funded by the National Government, County Government, IDA, AFD, and the World Bank.
Stakeholder Collaboration
The meeting brought together a wide array of stakeholders, including representatives from the County Project Coordination Team (CPCT), community leaders, ward and sub-county administrators, the GEO Dev consultancy team, and officials from the KISIP National Project Coordination Team (NPCT).
Importance of Stakeholder Input
Edith Baraza, the KISIP 2 Coordinator for Trans Nzoia, highlighted the vital role of stakeholders in shaping the strategy. “We rely on your feedback to ensure that our plans to manage and prevent slum proliferation are both practical and effective,” Baraza emphasized.
Data Presentation and Strategy Components
The GEO Dev consultancy team, which had earlier conducted data collection during stakeholder engagements in early September, presented their findings at the meeting. The data provides insights into the current state of informal settlements in Trans Nzoia and will inform the strategy for managing existing slums and preventing new ones.
Titus Musungu, lead consultant for GEO Dev, explained the strategy’s components, focusing on the current status of slums, goals for the future, actionable steps, and progress measurement. “Our goal is not just to eradicate slums but to implement phased actions over the next five to ten years,” Musungu said.
Ensuring Accuracy and Comprehensive Data
Stakeholders were tasked with verifying data on identified slum areas and offering input on any overlooked settlements. This collaborative approach ensures that the strategy is accurate and reflects the true state of informal settlements across Trans Nzoia.
Alignment with National Strategy
Sally Lesas, Component 3 Lead for KISIP 2’s National Coordination Team, emphasized that the county-specific strategies align with the National Slum Upgrading and Prevention Strategy, which has recently been approved. “We aim to create awareness and ensure community participation in developing strategies tailored to each county,” Lesas noted.
Looking Ahead
The meeting, which also saw attendance from key officials like Governor’s Delivery Unit Director Paul Ereng and Bishop Edward Khaoya, marked an important step in ensuring that Trans Nzoia’s slum upgrading strategy is sustainable, comprehensive, and aligned with national goals. The validated strategy will guide the county’s efforts in improving living conditions and fostering sustainable urban development in informal settlements.
