Inside Sh1.5bn project to revamp Nakuru's informal settlements

On the eastern side of Nakuru City lies the Kwa Murogi slum, notorious for illicit brews, criminal gangs, crime, poor drainage, and poor roads. It is also a hot spot for waterborne diseases.

Samson Wanyoike, a resident since 1978, described the area’s history as disheartening.

“Investors stayed away as small businesses were being vandalized and residents were mugged in broad daylight leading to a decline in population,” said Wanyoike.

The resident further claimed that the sewer system was inadequate, with waste from toilets and latrines spilling into homes, roadsides, water sources, and marketplaces.

“This place not only stank of illicit brew and waste, but it was also a hot spot for diseases. No one wanted to live here,” he said.

Wanyoike added that insecurity in the area was so rampant that residents protested and demanded the construction of a police station.

However, since February this year, Wanyoike noted a positive change after the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Projects (Kisip) started to regenerate the slum.

He said private developers have started constructing flats, and business premises are also under development.

Kisip was initiated by the government in 2011, under the support of The World Bank, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), and the Agence Française de Development (AFD).

Kisip is implementing a three-phase project in eight informal settlement areas within Nakuru County, worth over Sh1.45 billion. The projects are expected to be concluded by 2027.

Kwa Murogi is in phase II of the Kisip upgrade, which includes construction of roads, and footpaths, installation of high mast lighting and street lights, and improvement of water and sanitation.

Kisip is constructing over two kilometres of road in the area and installing streetlights along known gang hideouts, main roads, and crime-prone spots.

“The residents are now pushing for the area to be renamed Madaraka. Believe me, in the next five years, this place will be transformed, and the open spaces and abandoned buildings you see will no longer exist,” he said.

A new sewer system designed to divert sewage waste is also under construction.

Francis Maina noted that the project has been beneficial to residents, including the youth

He said that many previously idle youths were employed through the programme, and he saw some of the youths, once labelled as gang members, working to support their families.

“I am a person with a disability, but I found work through the project. I now supervise the work and ensure barriers are placed to prevent interference,” said Maina.

Grace, known as Mama Sammy, said that she once struggled with a carrot business that could not sustain her, but now, through the project, she has found employment.

She uses the money to invest in small women’s groups and in turn, gets loans to improve her children’s lives.

Kwa Murogi is one of four informal settlements within Nakuru undergoing Phase II uplift alongside the London Hilton slum, Lake View estate, and Karagita slum in Naivasha.

Tom Nandi, the Secretary of the Settlement Executive Committee in London, said Phase One of the project began in 2014 but took a long time to materialize.

Kamau Kuria, the chief officer, stated that Phase Two will focus on Kwa Murogi, London, Lakeview, and Karagita.