Kisumu: The County Government of Kisumu has received a major financial boost to support its ambitious lakefront redevelopment plan after securing a Sh97.5 million ($750,000) grant from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
According to Kenya News Agency, the funding, channeled through AfDB's Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF) programme, will finance a comprehensive feasibility study aimed at transforming the city's lakefront into a climate-resilient, inclusive urban space.
Kisumu Governor, Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o, who hosted an AfDB delegation in Kisumu on Wednesday, described the funding as a significant milestone in the city's push to reorient itself towards Lake Victoria. 'We have made significant strides in our journey to transform Kisumu and realize our vision of making our city face the lake. This feasibility study will allow us to conduct in-depth technical, financial, and environmental assessments of key projects, generating a pipeline of bankable initiatives aligned with our development and climate goals,' he said.
The county government, he said, has already completed the Kisumu City Profiling and Prioritization stages and has now entered the feasibility phase, which is considered pivotal for attracting long-term infrastructure investments. He added that the upcoming study will anchor proposed lakefront projects within Kisumu's Local Physical and Land Use Development Plan, County Integrated Development Plan, and broader national Public Financial Management (PFM) systems.
Once complete, he said, the feasibility report is expected to unlock further funding opportunities from multilateral lenders and development partners, positioning Kisumu as a model for climate-smart urban renewal in the region.
The African Development Bank delegation was led by Senior Urban Development Officer Babati Mokgethi, who reaffirmed the institution's commitment to supporting secondary cities like Kisumu with practical, sustainable urban planning tools. 'We are pleased to support Kisumu in identifying viable projects that will not only improve urban resilience and service delivery but also attract further public and private investment,' said Mokgethi.
Mokgethi said the feasibility study will be critical in ensuring that the proposed projects are technically sound, environmentally sustainable, and financially feasible. The Kisumu Lakefront Development Corporation (KLDC), which is a county government vehicle charged with the responsibility of developing the lakefront, is fronting several projects to revitalize Kisumu's waterfront area, aiming to transform it into a vibrant hub for tourism, trade, and economic activity.
Key initiatives include the development of a 46-kilometer promenade, public beaches, parks, and an aquapark to enhance public access and enjoyment of the waterfront. The KLDC also plans to develop maritime infrastructure, such as a marina and waterbus station, to support tourism and local industries like fish processing and boat construction.