Trans Nzoia County’s ambitious Second Phase of the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP2) has crossed a major development threshold—recording 66.39% completion despite being slowed by persistent heavy rains. The project, valued at Ksh 900 million, is a collaboration between the National Government, the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), and Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
The goal of KISIP2 is to improve access to basic services, enhance land tenure security for informal settlement residents, and bolster urban upgrading efforts across five targeted informal settlements in the county: Matisi, Mitume, Tuwan, Shanti, and Kipsongo.
🏗️ Infrastructure Progress Amid Challenges
During the ninth site inspection, the assistant resident engineer praised the resilience of the construction teams.
“The overall progress stands at 66.39%, with active construction at all five settlements. Despite the rains, we are committed to delivering on time,” he stated.
Settlement-wise progress includes:
🔹 Matisi:
- Kerra Link Road – 83% complete
- Kiberenge Road – 56%
- Sokomoko Road – 33%
🔹 Mitume:
- Umoja Link Road – 88%
- Usafi Road – 78%
- Hospital Road – 79%
- Apostolic Road – 88%
🔹 Tuwan:
- Kitale East Road – 78%
- Tudadi Road – 83%
🔹 Shanti:
- Shanti-Kipsongo Road – 66%
- PAG Mukarani Road – 80%
- Kitale-Kisawai Road – 72%
Despite weather-related interruptions, all contractors remain on-site and actively working. The contractual deadline remains three months away, and project teams are pushing to meet it.
🌧️ Weather Subsiding, Optimism Rising
Pamela Indimuli, the county’s Project Coordinator representative and Social Safeguards Officer, expressed renewed optimism:
“With the rains easing, we are confident that the project will proceed steadily, avoiding further delays.”
Her remarks echoed a general sentiment of urgency and optimism among stakeholders eager to see the project reach full completion.
✅ Adhering to Standards: Safeguards and Sustainability
Engineer Jorim Oduor from SOBOCON Consultancy reminded contractors of the importance of maintaining compliance with environmental and social safeguards.
“As we race against time, we must still prioritize sustainability and community welfare in line with World Bank requirements,” he stressed.
This includes minimizing environmental impact, safeguarding local livelihoods, and ensuring all work meets acceptable safety and social standards.
🚰 Expanded Water Access: 691 Households Connected
In addition to roadworks, KISIP2 has also significantly enhanced water connectivity. The number of households with access to clean, safe water has increased from 641 to 691—an additional 40 homes served in recent weeks.
“We are looking at more ways to subsidize these connections so more families in informal settlements can benefit,” said Engineer Oduor.
🗣️ Community Engagement: Tackling Misinformation
Concerns about misinformation regarding water connections were raised during stakeholder discussions. Influencers such as the Settlement Executive Committees (SECs) and Grievance Redress Committees (GRCs) were urged to step up public awareness.
“Misinformation has caused hesitancy among residents. We need active community dialogue to reverse this trend,” stakeholders emphasized.
Efforts are underway to intensify engagement through local forums and media outreach, ensuring residents understand the benefits and procedures involved in water connectivity and tenure security.
📌 Looking Ahead: Final Stretch to Completion
As KISIP2 moves into its final quarter, all eyes are on completion metrics and impact. The project has already transformed multiple neighborhoods through improved infrastructure, service delivery, and living conditions. Officials remain confident that, with improving weather and consistent effort, the project will be completed within schedule.
“We are working around the clock to beat the deadline and hand over a project that will meaningfully improve lives in Trans Nzoia’s informal settlements,” said the assistant resident engineer.
🏁 Summary of Key Highlights:
- Overall Completion: 66.39%
- Roads Nearing Completion: Several roads above 80%
- Water Access Boosted: 691 households connected
- Deadline: Three months remaining
- Compliance: Focus on environmental/social safeguards
- Community Engagement: Addressing misinformation and building trust
KISIP2 remains a testament to what can be achieved when multi-level government collaboration, donor support, and community involvement align with a shared development goal.
