The World Bank is set to spend Sh900 million for slum upgrades in Trans Nzoia County under Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Program 2 (KISIP 2).
The programme to be implemented in collaboration with the national and county governments targets to upgrade Matisi, Kipsongo, Tuwani, Shanti, and Mitume informal settlements.
Speaking during the launch of the programme at Kipsongo, Governor George Natembeya said the program will also give a facelift for roads within slums, which will help boost the living standards of the residents.
“This programme has come in handy as it will help us upgrade our informal settlements in a bid to provide enhanced amenities to the dwellers,” he said.
Besides upgrading roads, the programme will, among other activities, focus on the installation of streetlights, increasing water connectivity, and opening up drainages.
Natembeya urged contractors who would be implementing the project to consider engaging residents for manpower, save for areas which require high expertise that may not be available among them.
Meanwhile, the Governor challenged residents to own and guard the project zealously for future generations.
“I would like our people to own and guard these projects from vandalism. I would like you to drop the mentality that these are government projects; these are your projects,” he said.
Lands, Housing, and Urban Planning County Executive Committee Member Janerose Mutama noted that as the county is blessed with fertile land for agriculture, there is an urgent need for proper plans to accommodate farming activities and housing of the increasing populations.
By Isaiah Nayika
