World Bank pledges Sh17b for slum upgrading

By ANTONY GITONGA

The World Bank has pledged Sh17 billion towards improving informal settlements in 15 municipalities across the country.

According to visiting World Bank Vice-President, Ms Rachel Kyle, the funds would be channeled through the Kenya Municipal Programme and Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Programme.

Kyle said that each of the bodies would get $100m (Sh8.5 billion) for the five-year project whose work had already started.

Among the municipalities to benefit include Naivasha, Embu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nyeri, Garissa, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.

Speaking at Karagita slums in Naivasha, Kyle said the funds would address sanitation, water, street lighting and road problems in the informal settlements.

"We have to plan for future urban development and World Bank is committed to this cause," she said.

Naivasha Mayor Jonathan Warothe said the funds would greatly help in changing the living conditions of slums dwellers. He admitted that due to a high population mainly from workers in flower farms, planning had become impossible.

Poor drainage

"Storm water drainage in Naivasha and estates around is a major concern and these funds will go a long way in addressing the problem," he said.

His sentiments were echoed by Town Clerk Felix Olwero, who thanked the WB for the initiative, saying it would change lives.

Town Engineer James Ochieng’ said four informal settlements, Kihoto, Karagita, Kamere and Kasarani would benefit from the project.