The Kisumu Urban Project
This projects aims to improve the living conditions of the population in Kisumu by strengthening the local economy. Kisumu County Governor H.E Jack Ranguma once said that the project is about a modern city that will integrate the cities vision to advance wealth creation. KUP consists of the following components:
Component 1: Capacity building, Management and Urban Planning;
Component 2: Solid Waste Management;
Component 3: Slum Upgrading;
Component 4: Commercial Equipment; and
Component 5: Public Equipment and Infrastructure
The French Development Agency will provide funding of € 40 million (KShs 4.8 billion). The Ministry of Finance is the implementing agency and will reassign the funds to the Kisumu County Government.
In a move that signals the growing bilateral ties between Kenya and France, the four year project will see Kisumu turn a new a lease of life in terms of face-lifting schools and upgrading of slums.
Gateway to East Africa
Kisumu is edging towards a 24 hour economy with the switching on of 23 high mast floodlights at various locations in the city’s neighborhoods of Nyamasaria, Nyalenda (Kowino Market, Oboch, Nanga and Kasagam, Otonglo, Bandani, Obunga (Nyawita and Obunga markets), Jua-Kali, Kaloleni, Kondele Market, Manyatta, Mamboleo Market, and Kiboswa Market.
Kisumu, billed as the gateway for investment in the East African region, suffers acute water shortage, improper sewerage system, congestion, poor roads, while poverty level, manifested in the mushrooming of slums, continue to soar.
With the strengthening of the East African Community, improved roads in Kisumu and the Lake region and the FIFA funded KShs 42 million upgrading of the Moi Stadium to International status, Kisumu is at the threshold of prosperity.
The slum upgrading initiative will cover Nyalenda, Kaloleni and Obunga slums in terms of infrastructure, improved sanitation and access to clean water.
Interviews with community members in the beneficiary neighborhood reveal extremely high optimism that the floodlights will improve security and enhance trade, especially by micro entrepreneurs in local neighborhood markets. This initiative, which is part of a broader revitalization of the city’s commercial areas and gentrification of the urban neighborhoods, will ultimately shift urban community lifestyle and an increase property values.
Urban development will fire the city to be the engine of growth and development for the entire Kisumu city. This, and other mega projects being witnessed in the city, will turn Kisumu into a major investment destination in East Africa.
Kisumu Edging towards a 24 Hour Economy