A group of 102 young people from 14 informal settlements across Trans Nzoia County has begun a vital research project aimed at preventing the growth of slums and improving living conditions in the region. The project is part of the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP) 2 initiative.
Speaking at the project’s launch in Kitale, KISIP 2 Coordinator Edith Baraza emphasized the importance of this youth-led research. “The insights gained will help us prevent the emergence of new slums and improve the living conditions of residents,” she said.
The research project is led by Geo Dev consultancy, in partnership with the County Project Coordination Team (CPCT). The 102 youth researchers, drawn from the five sub-counties of Kwanza, Endebess, Saboti, Kiminini, and Cherangani, will focus on identifying effective strategies for slum prevention and upgrading.
Their research will gather critical data on water and sanitation services, infrastructure, and other essential amenities in the targeted informal settlements. This information will play a key role in developing a comprehensive, county-specific slum upgrading and prevention strategy.
Baraza noted that Trans Nzoia County is one of 20 counties participating in Component 3 of the KISIP 2 program, which aims to build local government capacity to address slum-related challenges. “This project is about building capacity and strengthening institutions,” she explained. “The National Government, World Bank, AFD, and IDA are supporting these 20 pilot counties in developing tailored strategies.”
The 14 settlements selected for the project vary in terms of population density, land ownership, and infrastructure access. Youth researchers have been trained in data collection techniques and will conduct surveys with residents, businesses, and community leaders in these settlements.
Geo Dev team leader Boniface Nyaila emphasized the importance of this research in guiding future policy decisions and interventions. “This data will help us create a more sustainable urban environment,” he said.
The research is expected to yield valuable insights into the challenges faced by informal settlement residents and contribute to the creation of effective solutions for slum prevention and urban upgrading.
