Uasin Gishu County Accelerates Informal Settlement Transformation Under KISIP 2

Uasin Gishu County is set to implement a range of community-driven projects in Mwanzo and Kipkaren informal settlements under the second phase of the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Programme (KISIP 2). The programme aims to improve living conditions, expand economic opportunities, and strengthen social inclusion for residents of these settlements. County Director of Housing Beatrice Menjo hosted a team from the National Programme Coordination Team to review preparations and community priorities.

The National Programme Coordination Team, led by Douglas Kinyua, engaged members of the Settlement Executive Committees and Grievance Redress Committees in the two settlements. Menjo thanked the national team and Pamoja Trust for their ongoing support, saying their engagement with community structures is critical in ensuring that interventions respond to actual community needs and priorities. Uasin Gishu County remains committed to delivering meaningful and lasting impact through KISIP 2.

Kinyua commended the county's progress, noting that Uasin Gishu County is doing excellently in programme preparation for the Social Economic Inclusion component. He appreciated the commitment demonstrated by the county team and the active involvement of community structures. This level of preparedness and stakeholder engagement is important in ensuring successful implementation and sustainable outcomes.

Proposed interventions in Mwanzo include a multipurpose community centre with an ICT hub, tailoring and dressmaking facilities, sweater-sewing units, and a daycare centre. Other plans include vocational training facilities, improved healthcare and water infrastructure, support for traders and small-scale enterprises, youth empowerment programmes, and solar-powered street lighting. These initiatives aim to address unemployment, poverty, insecurity, social exclusion, and environmental challenges in the settlement.

KISIP 2 is a national programme implemented in partnership with county governments and development partners. The programme seeks to address various challenges in selected informal settlements, including unemployment, poverty, and environmental degradation. In Uasin Gishu, the initiative is being rolled out under the leadership of Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim, working with national government agencies.

The broader KISIP framework prioritises improved access to basic services and greater security of land tenure for residents of informal settlements. The programme emphasises upgrading that minimizes displacement and aims to enhance living standards, reduce vulnerability, and create more stable, inclusive neighbourhoods. As Eldoret continues its growth into a modern economic hub, officials say KISIP 2 offers a practical pathway to ensure that residents of informal settlements are not left behind.

The implementation of KISIP 2 in Uasin Gishu County is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of residents in Mwanzo and Kipkaren informal settlements. The programme's focus on community-driven projects and social economic inclusion is expected to bring about sustainable and meaningful change. With the support of national government agencies and development partners, the county is poised to make significant progress in addressing the challenges faced by residents of informal settlements.

Key points

• Uasin Gishu County is implementing community-driven projects in Mwanzo and Kipkaren informal settlements under KISIP 2 to improve living conditions and expand economic opportunities.
• The programme aims to address unemployment, poverty, insecurity, social exclusion, and environmental challenges in selected informal settlements.
• KISIP 2 prioritises improved access to basic services and greater security of land tenure for residents of informal settlements, with an emphasis on upgrading that minimizes displacement.