Sh1 billion upgrade for Kiambu informal settlements

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi (centre), County Urban Development Executive Salome Wainaina, and National Project Coordinator Eng. Michael Nthiani. [George Njunge, Standard]

Kiambu County government in collaboration with the national government is set to inject about Sh1 billion in infrastructural projects.

Various informal settlements are set for upgrade through the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Project-Two (KISIP-2) programme entailing issuance of title deeds, tarmacking of roads, drainage, installation of floodlights, street lighting, laying of sewerage lines and water connectivity among others.

The informal settlements targeted are Umoja, Kiangombe, Matharau, Kiandutu, Fort Jesus, Bosnia, Misri, Kiroe, Kiamburi and Kanjeru.

The county government will work in partnership with the State Department of Housing and Urban Development. Kiambu County Executive Committee member of Housing, Planning and Urban Development Salome Wainaina said the upgrade is to improve living standards.

"The county team and consultants will have meetings with community members and stakeholders, to understand the projects and their cost implications within the budget line," Governor Kimani Wamatangi said.

"Kiambu is expecting about Sh996 million for these projects which we expect to start by March next year upon completion of design and budgeting," said Wamatangi.

KISIP2 is domiciled at the State Department for Housing and Urban Development and is implemented through participating county governments.

"The KISIP-2 is a game changer in improving the general living conditions through access to basic services and land tenure security to thousands of residents living in informal settlements across Kiambu county. The project has restored hope to the hopeless and given many a reason to dream again of living in sustainable communities within the urban areas of Kiambu," said Julius Mwololo, county director for housing and KISIP-2 coordinator.