KISIP II infrastructure investment boosts livelihoods in Wajir informal settlements

HAMDI BUTHUL- KNA

Infrastructure investments under the Second Kenya Informal Settlements Impro­vement Project (KISIP II) are stimulating economic activity and improving livelihoods across informal settlements in Wajir Municipality. 

The Government-funded programme, implemented by the State Department for Housing and Urban Development in part­nership with the World Bank, Agence Française de Dévelop­pement (AFD), the European Union and the County Gover­nment of Wajir, has upgraded infrastructure in the settlements of Shalatey, Hodhan, Halane, Wagberi, Jogoo and Borwaqo. 

The investments have reduced transport costs, extended busi­ness operating hours, improved access to markets and created employment opportunities for local residents, demonstrating how infrastructure development can support inclusive urban growth. 

Wajir County KISIP Coor­dinator Mohamed Adow Abdi said improved accessibility and enhanced security had transfor­med the economic landscape of the settlements. 

“We have witnessed significant changes since the completion of the infrastructure works,“ said Adow. 

“Businesses now operate for longer hours because the settlements are well lit, while improved roads have reduced transport costs and made it easier for residents to access markets, schools and health facilities.”

Adow said residents who pre­viously spent between Sh400 and Sh500 on transport from some settlements to Wajir town now spend about Sh100 following the improvement of road networks. 

“That reduction means house­holds have more money available for food, education and other essential needs,” he said. 

The project delivered more than 8.4 kilometres of roads, nearly 10 kilometres of drain­age channels, over 400 solar­-powered streetlights and several high-mast floodlights to improve mobility, safety and access to public services. 

Project Engineer Blanton Gitau said the infrastructure had addressed long-standing challenges that had limited economic activity within the settlements. 

“For many years residents struggled with poor roads, flo­oding and inadequate lighting,” said Eng Gitau. 

“The completed infrastructure has improved accessibility, enhanced security and created a better environment for business and investment.” 

Eng Gitau said the project also introduced vertical drainage systems designed to manage storm water while replenishing groundwater, an innovation suited to Wajir‘s flat terrain. 

He attributed the successful implementation of the project to the participatory approach adopted during planning and execution. 

“Communities identified roads, drainage and street lighting as their priority needs, and that ownership contributed significantly to the successful delivery of the project,” he said. 

Women operating small businesses say the improved infrastructure has increased customer traffic and enabled them to extend their business hours. 

Fatuma Aliada, who opera­tes a roadside food business in Borwaqo Settlement, said the installation of solar-powered street lighting had enabled her to serve customers into the evening. 

“I used to close early because of insecurity and darkness,” she said. 

The transport sector has also benefited from the improved infrastructure. 

Boda boda operator Jackson said smoother roads had reduced motorcycle maintenance costs while enabling riders to complete more trips each day. 

“We spend less on repairs and reach customers much faster than before,” he said. 

The improved infrastructure has already increased confidence among residents and investors. 

Community leaders say areas that previously experienced limited development because of poor accessibility are now attrac­ting new interest from property owners and entrepreneurs. 

Shalatey Settlement Chair­person Mohamed Hussein said improved roads, drainage and street lighting have enhanced the attractiveness of the sett­lement for both residential and commercial development. 

“Accessibility has improved significantly, and more people are expressing interest in building homes and establishing busine­sses here,” he said. 

“The value of land has also increased because the area is now served by better infrastructure.” Beyond infrastructure develop­ment, nearly 500 young people received technical and vocational skills training under the project‘s socio-economic inclusion pro­gramme, with many securing employment during construction activities. 

Land tenure regularisation is also progressing across seven settlements, where verification of plot ownership is nearing com­pletion ahead of the issuance of title deeds. 

According to Adow, secure land ownership will encourage investment in housing and business development while strengthening sustainable urban growth. 

“The title deeds will give residents confidence to invest in permanent developments because they will have security of tenure,” he said. 

The socio-economic gains recorded in Wajir demonstrate the broader objectives of KISIP II to improve access to basic servi­ces, stimulate local economies and enhance living conditions in informal settlements through integrated urban development.