Uasin Gishu County CECM for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Community Development, Mr. Edward Sawe hosted a high-level team from the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP) led by Ms. Zenah Kirui, along with Pamoja Trust, for the presentation and technical review of Community Development Plans (CDPs) for Mwanzo and Kipkaren informal settlements.

The draft CDPs are 10-year community-driven blueprints developed to guide inclusive and sustainable development within Eldoret City’s informal settlements. The plans reflect the priorities and aspirations of local residents, highlighting key proposed projects aimed at improving infrastructure, housing, social services, and economic opportunities.

One of the major highlights of the plans is a strong emphasis on creating employment opportunities, particularly for the youth. The implementation strategy includes training programs in skilled trades such as masonry, plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry. These trainings will lead to NITA (National Industrial Training Authority) certification, formally recognizing prior learning and equipping youth with credentials that open doors to meaningful employment.

Ms. Zenah Kirui, head of KISIP Component 2, emphasized the milestone’s significance: “As we move into the implementation phase, youth empowerment is central. Through skills training and certification, we are not only building infrastructure we are building livelihoods and community resilience.”

Mr. Sawe commended the depth of the plans and their alignment with the county’s broader development goals. “Some of these proposals mirror the vision of H.E. Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim. It is vital that all county departments are fully engaged in this process to ensure we collectively own and drive the success of these transformative projects,” he stated.

A representative from Pamoja Trust provided a detailed walk-through of the CDP frameworks, ensuring clarity on project expectations, community roles, and timelines.

The collaborative efforts of the NCPCT, CPCT, and KISIP teams were lauded for their professionalism and commitment to community-led planning.

These Community Development Plans are more than just technical documents—they are roadmaps for job creation, youth empowerment, and long-term socio-economic transformation in Uasin Gishu’s informal settlements.

Also present were Chief Officer Mr. Julius Koech- Lands and Physical Planning, Directors Beatrice Menjo-Housing and Nelly Jerotich- Lands.