The World Bank Implementation Mission visited Trans Nzoia County today to assess the progress of the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP 2), a project valued at over Ksh 940 million. The initiative, which targets five informal settlements—Kipsongo, Matisi, Tuwan, Shanti, and Mitume—is expected to improve the lives of over 52,705 residents by enhancing road infrastructure, water access, and street lighting.
During a site inspection tour on Friday, World Bank Representative and KISIP 2 National Project Coordinator George Orwah, along with his deputy, Stella Gitimu, expressed satisfaction with the ongoing infrastructure works, particularly at KERRA-Link Road in Matisi and Usafi Road Water Works in Matisi. They urged the County Project Coordination Team (CPCT), county leadership, and the contractor to maintain the pace and ensure timely project completion.
Mr. George Orwah praised the leadership of Trans Nzoia County, particularly Governor George Natembeya, for providing a robust and effective team. He expressed confidence that the KISIP 2 project would bring significant transformative changes to the county’s informal settlements.
In addition to the infrastructural developments, Orwah commended the county’s decision to include the Mitume Home for the Elderly in the socio-economic inclusion plan. He emphasized the importance of supporting the elderly and urged the Phase Three Implementation Team from the State Department of Housing and Urban Development to allocate resources for improving the quality of life for the elderly residents.
The Kenya Urban Support Program, also under development, was highlighted as an additional effort to support municipalities like Trans Nzoia. Orwah encouraged the county government to collaborate further with the State Department of Housing to ensure the success of future projects.
Stella Gitimu, Deputy National Coordinator, emphasized that the primary goal of the KISIP 2 Project is to enhance the living standards of urban informal settlement residents through improved road infrastructure, access to clean water, and installation of street and floodlights. The project is a collaboration between the Government of Kenya, county governments, and development partners such as the World Bank, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and International Development Association (IDA).
Representing the county leadership, CEM Janersoe Nasimiyu Mutama and CEC for Health and Sanitation Sam Ojwang expressed their gratitude to the World Bank and the national government for their support. They acknowledged that the residents of these informal settlements had been neglected in the past, and this project would significantly improve their living conditions.
The World Bank team, led by Raymond Kirwa, emphasized the importance of adhering to project timelines and urged all stakeholders to expedite the work schedule. He also stressed the need for long-term maintenance plans to ensure the sustainability of the improvements.
Michael Ngari, another World Bank representative, praised the progress made and encouraged the contractor to continue working diligently to meet the deadlines. He also commended the county for implementing safety inductions on-site.
Trans Nzoia County Project Coordinator Edith Baraza thanked the World Bank team and the National Project Coordination Team for their ongoing support. She noted the positive impact the project would have on the community and called for more collaborations to ensure the project’s success.
