Governor Sakaja Launches Major Upgrades in Nairobi’s Informal Settlements, Pledges to End Slum Conditions
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has launched a major infrastructure upgrade program targeting informal settlements across the capital, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to eradicating slums and improving living standards for residents. Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Project Phase II (KISIP II), Governor Sakaja, accompanied by Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri, announced that Embakasi Village, Kayole Soweto, Kahawa Soweto, and Kambi Moto will be the first beneficiaries under the project’s initial phase. The upgrades will include construction of new access roads, drainage systems, and street lighting infrastructure aimed at transforming the settlements into safer, more habitable neighborhoods.
Addressing residents at Kahawa Primary School in Roysambu Subcounty, Governor Sakaja warned land grabbers occupying public land to vacate or face legal action, insisting that Nairobi’s public spaces must serve the common good. During the campaign, I promised to offer dignified living to our people. Our goal is not only to upgrade the slums but to fully eradicate them altogether, he stated. The governor extended his appreciation to President William Ruto for facilitating Nairobi’s access to KISIP funding, which is jointly supported by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) and the French Development Agency (AFD). Nairobi is among 23 counties benefiting from the national KISIP II program, which will improve 81 settlements countrywide through a two-phase approach focusing on tenure regularization, infrastructure development, social inclusion, and institutional capacity building.
Other county officials emphasized teamwork, accountability, and adherence to quality standards throughout the project’s implementation. Acting County Secretary Godfrey Akumali called for coordination among all stakeholders, while CECM for Built Environment Patrick Mbogo assured residents of the County’s technical commitment to timely delivery. County Chief Officer for Housing and Urban Renewal Lydia Mathia promised that grievances from affected residents would be addressed through the Grievance Redress Committee, ensuring transparency and fairness. To cap the event, Governor Sakaja presented a cheque worth KSh 7 million to compensate project-affected persons. The launch underscores Nairobi County’s growing commitment to inclusive urban renewal and sustainable development, with KISIP II poised to bring lasting change to thousands of families in Nairobi’s informal settlements.