Kisumu County, in partnership with UN-Habitat, has launched a pilot social housing and infrastructure project targeting informal settlements in Muhoroni, Shauri Moyo, Shauri Yako, and Kisumu City. The initiative aims to improve living conditions while integrating climate-friendly solutions.
As part of the project, 300 solar home systems, each including four lamps and a power bank, have been distributed to vulnerable households in Shauri Moyo and Shauri Yako. The systems, valued at Sh14,000 each, represent a total investment of Sh4.5 million and are expected to cut household carbon emissions by an estimated 337.5 tonnes over five years.
The programme also includes planning and infrastructure improvements such as early childhood development centres, community halls, and public recreational spaces. It builds on previous gains under the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Project (KISIP), including land ownership formalisation and title deeds for residents.
County Chief of Staff Aloice Ager emphasized the integrated approach of the programme, combining housing, infrastructure, and clean energy solutions. UN-Habitat’s national programme officer Jeremiah Ouko highlighted that planning and improvements will take 8–10 months, with environmental impact assessments already scheduled.
Residents praised the solar systems for improving lighting, reducing reliance on unreliable power, and lowering household costs, while also enhancing climate resilience.
The Muhoroni initiative is expected to serve as a replicable model for improving informal settlements nationwide, demonstrating the effectiveness of multi-stakeholder partnerships in delivering sustainable and inclusive urban development.