Uasin Gishu County is set to benefit from transformative improvements as part of the Second Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP), which is currently rolling out consultancy services for the creation of County-specific slum upgrading and prevention strategies. The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, aims to address the critical issue of informal settlements within the county.

During a recent validation workshop for the draft strategy, Principal Housing Officer Mr. Isaac Sang highlighted the transformative potential of the strategy. Speaking to community representatives, Mr. Sang emphasized the county’s commitment to the successful implementation of policies and programs focused on slum upgrading and prevention.

“As a county, we are ready to implement the policies and programs on slum upgrading and prevention. We will undertake zoning regulations and carry out capacity building for our residents on these matters,” said Mr. Sang, expressing the county’s strong determination to improve living conditions for residents in informal settlements.

Ms. Loice Loo, who led the discussions with the community members, provided valuable insights into the causes and distribution of slums in Uasin Gishu. According to Ms. Loo, the concentration of slums is primarily in urban centres, where population density has exacerbated the issue.

The conditions of slums are concerning, with key factors such as inadequate solid waste management, lack of tenure security, low levels of education, and limited access to essential services like formal employment.

KISIP is actively working on mapping out slum areas in the city as well as across various townships in the county, including Moisbridge, Cheptiret, Chabaiywa, and Turbo. This mapping effort is a crucial part of the strategy to better understand the extent of informal settlements and plan for comprehensive improvements.

The community’s participation in the validation workshop marks a critical step towards ensuring that the slum upgrading and prevention strategy is inclusive and tailored to the specific needs of Uasin Gishu’s residents. The collaboration between government officials, community members, and KISIP consultants is expected to drive meaningful change, enhancing the quality of life for thousands of residents in the county’s informal settlements.