Sh2b for slums upgrade

Kisumu City Manager Doris Ombara (left) Kisumu county Executive member for Finance George Omondi and Astronea Construction Limited managing Director Anup Jethwa during the contract signing of Kisumu Urban Support program phase two funded by World bank. (Collins Oduor, Standard)

Kenya has received Sh2.2 billion from the World Bank under the Informal Settlements Improvement Project.

The project targets to boost the livelihoods of at least 1.7 million residents living in select urban slums and lack basic supplies.

World Bank Operations Manager and Acting Country Director Camille Nuamah said the money is sourced from International Development Association credit.

The funds will be spent on titling to enhance tenure security, upgrading roads, water, sanitation and drainage systems, putting up street lighting and community facilities.

Additionally, the cash will be spent on community engagement to assess and address risks, including the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

‘’The poor living in urban areas have outpaced services and infrastructure provision,’’ said Nuamah.

The World Bank officials disclosed that the project will be implemented through institutional arrangements at the county and national level.

Eligible settlements

Already, criteria to determine eligible settlements have been developed.

Counties with eligible settlements will be expected to demonstrate readiness to implement the project.

According to Sheila Kamunyori, World Bank Senior Urban Specialist and Task Team Leader, the bank is keen to continue supporting Kenya’s effort on the ongoing Kazi Mtaani programme in the subsequent phases to absorb up to 200,000 youth.

‘’In the short run, the works related to upgrading roads will provide an important source of employment opportunities for unskilled, informal and vulnerable workers disproportionately affected by the economic impact of Covid-19,” she said.

The project is in line with building better-serviced, less-crowded, and more permanent houses, which will contribute significantly to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s affordable housing agenda.