Kiambu County, in collaboration with the National Government and the World Bank, has embarked on a transformative, multi-million-shilling initiative to map and upgrade its vast informal settlements. Under the Second Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP-2), the county is set to inject nearly Sh1 billion into infrastructure projects aimed at improving living conditions and securing land rights for thousands of residents. This monumental effort moves beyond initial mapping pilots to a comprehensive implementation phase, targeting settlements like Umoja, Kiandutu, and Matharau, with the singular goal of integrating these historically marginalized areas into formal urban planning structures.
The investment, amounting to approximately Ksh 900 million, will directly fund critical infrastructure enhancements previously lacking in these communities. Key components include the tarmacking of access roads, the installation of robust drainage and sewerage systems, and the provision of enhanced security through solar-powered street lighting and floodlights. Crucially, the project’s central focus is on enhancing land tenure security through the issuance of thousands of Title Deeds. This participatory approach is emphasized by county leadership, including Governor Kimani Wamatangi, who stresses that the strategy must be community-inclusive, reflecting a history of community-led efforts championed by groups like Muungano wa Wanavijiji.
This significant injection of funds represents a major step towards addressing long-standing urban poverty and infrastructure gaps, promising residents the dignity of secure, well-planned environments. By addressing land tenure and basic services, the project is expected to have a lasting positive impact on public health and local economies. Going forward, the county is committed to developing a comprehensive strategy for both slum upgrading and prevention, ensuring that these actionable plans are formally integrated into the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP). This ensures sustained budgeting and resource allocation, paving the way for resilient and inclusive urban growth in Kiambu.
You can see the World Bank and Kiambu County working to transform the settlements here: Kiambu County and World Bank Launch Ksh 900 Million Project to Upgrade Informal Settlements. This video gives a visual overview of the partnership between the World Bank and Kiambu County government in upgrading informal settlements.