Vihiga: Vihiga County has partnered with the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP 2) to embark on a five-day mapping and physical planning exercise targeting key settlements within the county. County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Physical Planning, Lands and Urban Development, Prof. Mike Iravo, on Tuesday received the KISIP 2 delegation and held deliberations aimed at strengthening collaboration and setting clear frameworks for the exercise.
According to Kenya News Agency, the programme, supported by the World Bank in collaboration with both the National and County Governments, seeks to enhance access to basic services and strengthen tenure security for residents of informal settlements across the country. Prof. Iravo noted that the initiative is in line with Kenya's urban development strategy and the government's Affordable Housing agenda, which prioritizes sustainable and inclusive urban growth.
Prof. Iravo emphasized that the engagement will not only help define boundaries and acreage but also ensure communities have a voice in the planning process. The mapping will involve participation from local elders, community representatives, and groups representing women, youth, and people with special needs. Their input will be critical in defining settlement boundaries and developing strategic plans for improvement.
According to officials, the project is expected to address long-standing infrastructure gaps and institutional challenges in informal settlements, marking a major step toward improving living standards and creating more resilient urban spaces in Vihiga.