(Uasin Gishu) – Seven informal settlements in Uasin Gishu County will undergo a comprehensive Sh1.3 billion infrastructure upgrade under the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP II). The project, funded by the World Bank, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and a grant from the European Union (EU), is coordinated by both the national and county governments. This initiative aims to improve living conditions for local residents by enhancing infrastructure, security, and public spaces.
According to Uasin Gishu County Chief Officer for Housing and Urban Development, Julius Koech, the selected informal settlements will benefit from 13.1 kilometers of newly tarmacked roads, seven high-mast security lights, improved street lighting, pedestrian walkways, stormwater drainage, and public parks. These upgrades are expected to address both the pressing needs of the settlements and the new demands associated with Eldoret’s recent designation as Kenya’s fifth city.
The project, currently 20 percent complete, aims to reduce the prevalence of informal settlements by 50 percent by its anticipated completion date of June 30, 2025. Koech emphasized the project’s timing and its potential to further support Eldoret’s city status by providing essential infrastructure and services to areas that have previously struggled with poor road conditions, inadequate drainage, and limited access to basic services.
| Settlement | Road Improvements | Additional Upgrades |
|---|---|---|
| Maili Inne | 3.9 km of tarmac road | Stormwater drainage, street and high mast lights, ablution block |
| Kipkaren | 2.5 km of tarmac road | Riverfront recreational area, street lighting |
| KK, Kasarani, Segero | 2.1 km of tarmac road | Drainage, lighting, pedestrian walkways |
| Mwanzo | 3.9 km of road | Closed drainage, green spaces, street lighting |
| Shauri | 700 meters of tarmac road | Drainage, street lighting |
In Maili Inne, residents will benefit from nearly 4 kilometers of bitumen-standard road, alongside extensive stormwater drainage, high mast lighting, and an ablution block. Kipkaren settlement will gain 2.5 kilometers of tarmac road, drainage, street lighting, and a public recreation facility near Kipkaren River. Additionally, the KK, Kasarani, and Segero areas will see improvements across 2.1 kilometers of road, including drainage, lighting, and walkways. The Mwanzo settlement will benefit from 3.9 kilometers of road and green spaces, while Shauri will have 700 meters of tarmac road with drainage and lighting.
Since its launch four months ago, the project has created employment for 500 young residents in the affected settlements, with indirect job opportunities also generated in food vending and supply chains for construction materials. “The project is supporting economic growth by directly and indirectly creating jobs for local youth and women. Besides the employed youth, businesses selling construction materials, food vendors, and others are benefiting from the increased demand,” Koech added.
Alongside infrastructure improvements, KISIP II has also helped reduce crime rates by providing improved lighting and security. Koech remarked that enhanced lighting has allowed local businesses to operate safely into the evening, which has in turn helped boost the local economy.
The county government is working with community committees to ensure the well-being of local residents and to address any concerns that may arise from the project. Koech confirmed that all affected residents have been fully compensated.
In addition to its infrastructure goals, KISIP II supports Kenya’s Vision 2030 objective of fostering an inclusive and sustainable environment for informal settlement residents. The project promotes access to essential services and legal land tenure, addressing the needs of urban populations living in informal areas. By working with community committees, KISIP II aims to build capacity for sustainable slum upgrading and prevent future expansion of informal settlements.
KISIP II is currently operating in 33 counties across Kenya, with active infrastructure upgrades underway in Kakamega, Nakuru, Kilifi, Kisumu, and Nairobi. Part of the project includes tenure regularization, a process that helps residents in informal settlements gain legal land rights, with over 120 informal areas benefiting from this initiative. Additionally, the project has begun developing county-specific strategies to address slum upgrading and prevention, targeting 20 counties.