The County Government of Uasin Gishu is stepping up plans to transform informal settlements in Eldoret through the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Programme Phase Two (KISIP 2), with a wide range of proposed investments targeting infrastructure, healthcare, water access, youth empowerment and economic opportunities.

The programme seeks to improve living conditions in informal settlements while addressing challenges such as unemployment, poverty, insecurity, poor sanitation, environmental degradation and social exclusion.

In the latest development, County Director of Housing Beatrice Menjo, who also heads Component Two on Social Economic Inclusion, hosted a delegation from the National Programme Coordination Team led by Douglas Kinyua, alongside Veronica Koech of Pamoja Trust.

The delegation visited Mwanzo and Kipkaren informal settlements, where they held engagements with members of the Settlement Executive Committees (SECs) and Grievance Redress Committees (GRCs) to assess the county's preparedness for the implementation of the programme.

The engagements provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss proposed interventions, strengthen community participation and ensure that the planned projects reflect the actual needs and priorities of residents.

Speaking during the exercise, Menjo appreciated the National Programme Coordination Team and Pamoja Trust for their continued technical support, guidance and partnership in preparing the county for the implementation of KISIP 2.

She said collaboration between national and county government teams, development partners and community structures would be critical in ensuring that the programme delivers meaningful and sustainable results.

"Uasin Gishu County remains committed to ensuring that KISIP 2 delivers meaningful and lasting impact," Menjo said, noting that community involvement would help ensure that interventions respond to the real challenges facing residents.

On his part, Kinyua commended Uasin Gishu County for the progress made in preparing for the implementation of the Social Economic Inclusion component.

He observed that the county had demonstrated strong commitment through its engagement with community structures and stakeholders, describing the level of preparedness as important in achieving successful implementation and sustainable outcomes.

Among the proposed projects in Mwanzo is the construction of a multipurpose community centre that will incorporate an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hub, tailoring and dressmaking facilities, sweater-sewing units and a daycare centre.

The proposed facilities are expected to create opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship and income generation, particularly among women, young people and other vulnerable members of the community.

The development agenda also includes vocational training facilities, improved healthcare services, expanded access to clean water and initiatives targeting traders and small-scale enterprises.

Youth empowerment and livelihood improvement programmes are also expected to form a key part of the interventions, with the broader objective of equipping residents with practical skills and creating pathways to economic independence.

Beyond social and economic empowerment, the programme proposes investments in solar-powered street lighting, improved security, waste recovery facilities, stormwater drainage systems, disaster preparedness and environmental conservation.

These interventions are intended to address some of the persistent challenges associated with informal settlements, including poor drainage, inadequate sanitation, insecurity and vulnerability to environmental hazards.

Unlike conventional infrastructure projects that mainly focus on physical development, KISIP 2 adopts a broader approach by combining infrastructure improvements with social and economic inclusion initiatives.

Through the programme, the county seeks to create neighbourhoods where residents can access essential services, develop their skills, operate businesses in a conducive environment and enjoy improved safety and living conditions.

The County Government, under Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim, is working with national government agencies and development partners to advance the programme and ensure that informal settlement residents are included in the county's development agenda.

The initiative comes at a time when Eldoret is strengthening its position as a modern city and a major economic hub in the North Rift region.

As the city continues to expand, the successful implementation of KISIP 2 is expected to play an important role in addressing the development challenges facing informal settlements while promoting inclusive urban growth.

The programme's success will, however, depend on effective coordination, adequate community participation and the timely implementation of the proposed interventions to ensure that the benefits reach the intended residents.