The Kiambu County Government has initiated a comprehensive mapping exercise of all informal settlements across the county as part of efforts to enhance data-driven planning and ensure inclusive service delivery. The initiative, implemented under Phase 2 of the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP), aims to collect detailed information on population, infrastructure, and service gaps in these underserved areas.
The project was officially launched when the County Directorate of Housing and Community Development welcomed a consultant tasked with implementing the mapping exercise. Julius Mwololo, Director of Housing and County KISIP Coordinator, led the county team in overseeing the project’s initial stages. Officials described the exercise as a critical step in understanding the true extent and conditions of informal settlements in Kiambu, which will inform targeted interventions and urban planning strategies.
Residents have welcomed the initiative but emphasized the need for tangible follow-up action. Mary Wanjiru, a local resident, noted that poor roads, inadequate drainage, and limited access to clean water have long affected her community. If this mapping exercise leads to real improvements, it will be life-changing for us. We hope the government will use this data to deliver the services we urgently need, she said. Similarly, community leader John Kimani expressed cautious optimism, urging that the mapping be accompanied by concrete programs to improve housing, sanitation, and access to basic services.
The county has assured residents that the exercise will be conducted transparently, with active community participation to ensure accuracy and inclusivity. Data collected will guide resource allocation for slum upgrading programs and support broader urban development plans. KISIP, a national government initiative, focuses on enhancing living conditions in informal settlements through infrastructure development, security of tenure, and capacity building for local authorities.
County officials say the mapping exercise will provide an evidence-based foundation for interventions that target the most pressing needs of residents, ensuring that urban planning and service delivery are equitable, effective, and responsive to communities that have historically been underserved.