The County Government of Siaya received a delegation from Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP2) team.
This meeting, held amidst a growing need for urban renewal, focused on establishing mutual understandings for mapping and physical planning in key landmark areas within Siaya.
Funded by a credit from the International Development Agency (IDA), KISIP2 aims to enhance access to basic services and tenure security across counties including Kakamega, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Siaya, Homa Bay, Nyamira, Narok, Busia, Vihiga, Kisii, and Kisumu. This ambitious project aligns with Kenya’s broader urban development strategy, supporting the Government’s affordable housing agenda through integrated demand-side and supply-side interventions.
The initiative seeks to uplift informal settlements by addressing infrastructure deficits and institutional challenges, marking a significant step toward sustainable urban growth.
The collaboration will involve detailed planning, with both teams targeting specific settlements for improvement. Local elders and representatives from diverse groups, including gender and special interest categories, will help define boundaries and map acreage using strategic plans.
The County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development, Mr. Maurice McOrege, underscored the importance of thorough preparation. “Prior notices and the selection of participants must be identified and highlighted in advance. We need strategic plans to connect the dots and ensure a coherent visit,” he emphasized.
The two-day exercise, extending into a one-month mapping phase, will rely on elders’ deep knowledge of settlement histories to guide the process effectively. This community-driven approach ensures that the project reflects the needs and realities of those it serves.
Building on Siaya’s successful engagement in KISIP1, the county has requested an extension for mutual consultations and training to align all stakeholders with project requirements. Mr. McOrege reflected on past successes, stating, “The County Government of Siaya cannot afford to lag behind, given KISIP’s instrumental support in mapping and planning.”
A strategy meeting is scheduled, with Mr. McOrege appointed a four-officer team to work alongside KISIP2.
Consultant Robert Arogo from GEODEV highlighted focus areas for mapping, including Wichlum, Uhanya beaches, and Awelo, reinforcing KISIP2’s World Bank-backed mission to transform urban and local settlement planning across Kenya.
This initiative resonates with Governor James Orengo’s 9-Point Agenda, which prioritizes equitable land access, improved housing, and infrastructure development. By tackling tenure regularization and upgrading facilities like water systems and community centers, the project enhances living conditions and security.