The informal settlements of Kayole Soweto, Kambi Moto, Embakasi Village, and Kahawa Soweto in Nairobi City are set to undergo a significant transformation, thanks to a Ksh578 million redevelopment project funded by the World Bank.
This initiative, part of the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP), aims to improve the living conditions of residents by upgrading essential infrastructure and enhancing security.
The comprehensive facelift will focus on upgrading roads, stormwater drainage, solid waste management, water supply, and street lighting across the four settlements.
The project is expected to redevelop approximately 5 kilometers of roads, install 232 street lights, and improve sewerage systems, all of which are vital for creating a healthier and safer living environment.
In Kahawa Soweto, the redevelopment will include 800 meters of roads, stormwater management systems, and walkways. Additionally, 1.2 kilometers of sewerage works will be undertaken, and 44 new street light poles will be installed to improve visibility and safety at night.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, speaking at the launch of the second phase of KISIP on Friday, August 23,2024, emphasized the project’s potential to create jobs and uplift the socio-economic status of the residents, particularly the youth and women in low-income settings.
“We are transforming the livelihoods of Nairobi residents,” Sakaja stated.
“The unemployed youths and women in slum areas should be given priority for the jobs in the KISIP project.”
The project’s focus on involving local communities in its implementation is seen as a strategic move to boost employment and provide skill development opportunities.
Governor Sakaja highlighted that job creation under the KISIP slum eradication project would specifically target unemployed youths and women, ensuring that the benefits of the project extend beyond just infrastructural improvements.
Governor Sakaja also outlined the broader objectives of the redevelopment, which include formalizing informal settlements to provide better living conditions for the residents.
“We will improve roads, open up drainage, put up floodlights, and improve sewerage services,” Sakaja said. “I want to formalize the informal settlements.”
The upgrade will not only enhance living standards but also significantly expand housing availability in Nairobi.
By improving infrastructure and public services, the project aims to make these areas safer and more livable, encouraging more sustainable urban development.
The funding for the project is distributed among the four settlements, with Kayole Soweto receiving the largest share at Ksh357.20 million. Kahawa Soweto follows with an allocation of Ksh108.10 million, while Embakasi Village and Kambi Moto have been allocated Ksh83.10 million and Ksh29.64 million, respectively.
Impact on the Local Population
The project is expected to benefit over 400,000 residents across Nairobi, particularly those living in the targeted informal settlements.
By improving infrastructure such as roads, drainage, and street lighting, the initiative will enhance mobility, reduce the risk of flooding, and improve overall public health and safety.
In Kahawa Soweto, for example, the new road and drainage systems are expected to drastically reduce the frequent flooding that has plagued the area, making daily life safer and more convenient for residents.
Similarly, the installation of street lights will enhance security, allowing businesses to operate for longer hours and residents to move about safely at night.
The KISIP Phase Two project marks a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by Nairobi’s informal settlements.
It aligns with the city’s broader urban development goals, which aim to integrate these areas into the formal urban economy and improve living standards for all residents.
As the project progresses, Governor Sakaja and the Nairobi City County Government are committed to ensuring that the benefits of the redevelopment are felt widely across the community.
By focusing on inclusive development that prioritizes local labor and community engagement, the project seeks to build a more equitable and sustainable future for Nairobi’s informal settlements.
The redevelopment of Kayole Soweto, Kambi Moto, Embakasi Village, and Kahawa Soweto is not just about infrastructure; it’s about transforming lives and creating opportunities for Nairobi’s most vulnerable residents.
With the support of the World Bank and the commitment of the Nairobi City County Government, this ambitious project aims to make a lasting impact on the city’s landscape and the lives of its people.
