Suswa Residents Resolve Leadership Dispute, Clear Path for KISIP2 Project

Residents of Suswa in Narok County have resolved a longstanding grievance over the selection of community representatives, clearing the way for the implementation of the Second Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP2).

The dispute had threatened to delay project activities in the area, with some residents raising concerns over the selection of members of the Settlement Executive Committee (SEC) and the Grievance Redress Committee (GRC).

The KISIP2 National Project Coordination Team (NPCT), led by Gladys Juma, Gender and Community Development, and Celestine Wanjala, Land Tenure Regularization, held a grievance redress meeting with residents to hear their concerns and find a mutually acceptable solution.

The officials were accompanied by other members of the NPCT and county officials.

During the meeting, residents were taken through the Land Tenure Regularization process, including the role they are expected to play in the implementation of the project. The team also explained the guidelines governing the selection of SEC and GRC members.

The engagement gave residents an opportunity to better understand the responsibilities of the two committees and participate directly in the process of selecting new representatives.

Following the discussions, residents conducted a fresh selection of members of the SEC and GRC through a participatory process.

The grievance was subsequently formally closed after representatives of the community and the KISIP2 project team signed a grievance closure form, marking a significant step towards the commencement of project interventions in Suswa.

The resolution highlights the importance of dialogue and community participation in development projects, particularly where local structures play a central role in implementation.

Rather than allowing the disagreement to stall the project, KISIP2 used its Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) to provide residents with an opportunity to raise concerns, seek clarification and participate in finding a solution.

KISIP2 is a State project jointly funded by the International Development Association (IDA/World Bank), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the European Union (EU), and the Government of Kenya. The project is domiciled under the State Department for Housing and Urban Development.

The project places communities at the centre of implementation, with SECs and GRCs serving as key structures for community participation, accountability and grievance resolution.

With the grievance now resolved, Suswa residents are looking forward to the commencement of KISIP2 interventions aimed at supporting improved infrastructure, stronger community participation and better living conditions in the settlement.

The successful resolution is being viewed as an example of how transparent engagement and participatory decision-making can help communities and development agencies overcome challenges and keep projects on course.