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FINANCE:  Kenyans living in slum areas are set to benefit from $150 million (Sh16.2 billon) World Bank funding to improve infrastructure in informal settlements.

Bank directors extended the slum upgrading programme –Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP2) to advance the living conditions of informal settlements.

Camille Nuamah, World Bank Operations Manager and Acting Country Director for Kenya said in a statement the second phase of the project will benefit 1.7 million residents through titling to enhance tenure security and infrastructure upgrading for basic services namely; roads, drainage, water, sanitation, and street lighting.

The funds would also go towards improving community facilities and livelihoods support and community engagement to assess and address risks, including the impacts of Covid-19.

Nuamah said rapid urbanisation and an increasing share of the poor living in urban areas have outpaced services and infrastructure provision, and this project will contribute to reducing this infrastructure and services gap.

Daily earnings

“The project will also cushion urban informal settlement residents who depend on daily earnings against the negative socio-economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic,” she added.

Upgraded infrastructure will improve access to basic services, such as clean and safe water; mobility within the informal settlements; access for emergency vehicles; and the resilience of communities in instances of disasters. 

Sheila Kamunyori, World Bank Senior Urban Specialist and Task Team Leader said in the short run, the works related to upgrading roads will provide an important source of employment opportunities for unskilled, informal and vulnerable workers.