Kisumu rolls out Sh1.4bn project for slums facelift

The Kisumu County Government, in partnership with the World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD), has officially rolled out a massive Sh14 billion urban renewal project aimed at transforming the living conditions in the city’s major informal settlements. Dubbed the Kisumu Urban Project, the initiative will target areas like Nyalenda A and B, Obunga, and Manyatta, focusing on the installation of essential infrastructure, including paved roads, stormwater drains, and street lighting, to address decades of neglect and improve the quality of life for over 200,000 residents. The project’s first phase, which commenced this week, will concentrate on the construction of all-weather access roads and a comprehensive stormwater drainage system. This is a direct response to the perennial flooding that has plagued these low-lying settlements during the rainy seasons, often displacing families and facilitating the spread of waterborne diseases. Beyond physical infrastructure, the program also includes a social component, offering skills training and entrepreneurship grants for the youth and women, aiming to foster economic resilience within the communities. Residents and local leaders have largely welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that it will mark a turning point for the areas. For years, we have felt forgotten. When it rains, our homes become islands and accessing the main road is a nightmare. This project brings us hope for a healthier and more dignified life, said Millicent Achieng, a community health worker in Nyalenda. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the potential for gentrification and the transparency in the allocation of opportunities. County Executive for Physical Planning, Dr. Samuel Okoth, assured that a robust community liaison structure is in place to ensure residents are actively involved throughout the process. The long-term outlook for the project is seen as a model for other Kenyan cities grappling with rapid urbanization and expanding informal settlements. Kisumu Governor, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, stated that the initiative is a critical part of the city’s broader vision for inclusive and sustainable development. We are not just building roads and drains; we are building communities, fostering economic activity, and restoring the dignity of our people. The success of this project will demonstrate that our informal settlements are not problems to be removed, but communities to be integrated and uplifted, he said during the project’s launch event.