By Christopher Omondi.
The management of Kisumu City faces significant challenges in infrastructure development, with several projects delayed or temporarily halted. Residents have voiced concerns about the factors contributing to these issues. The Kisumu City Board, responsible for city operations, plays a critical role in policy implementation and service delivery. The City Manager’s office collaborates with various departments, including Finance, Procurement, Internal Audit, Communications, and Corporate Affairs.
In recent discussions with traders at Uhuru Market, Chairman Mr. Abala Wanga highlighted concerns regarding rapid urbanization, which has led to the rise of informal settlements. These developments create considerable challenges for city management in providing adequate infrastructure and services. The City Manager acknowledged, “Our goal is to ensure that every resident feels the impact of our initiatives, but we are currently grappling with resource limitations.” External factors, such as economic fluctuations and environmental incidents, have shifted priorities and impacted overall performance. The Kisumu Municipal Council struggles with limited staffing and resources for effective urban management, especially in informal areas.
Community members have shared important perspectives on service delivery and urban management in Kisumu. One resident emphasized, “We need to be involved in the decision-making process,” underscoring the necessity of including voices from informal settlements. Another local stated, “The floodlight project has not met our needs; we want to see improvements in our wards.” These comments highlight a collective desire for more inclusive planning and better communication between city officials and residents and stress the urgency for projects to address actual community needs.
Concerns about the floodlight project indicate potential areas for improvement. Engaging residents in the decision-making process could lead to more informed project prioritization. Additionally, the city department operates under strict budgetary constraints, and corruption issues can hinder the allocation of necessary resources for staff and projects.
To enhance City Management performance, the City Board should adopt more inclusive planning practices that engage all stakeholders. Investing in capacity-building programs for staff to improve skills in urban management is equally important. Forming collaborations with other government agencies, private sector organizations, and civil society groups like the Kisumu County Development Trust (KCDT) can further enrich public participation and improve service delivery. These efforts can encompass civic education, community mobilization, and public engagement initiatives that align with the needs and voices of Kisumu residents.
