By Treezer Michelle Atieno
Kisumu city is on the brink of a transformative phase following the release of a
Sh300 million Urban Development Grant (UDG) by the World Bank. This funding,
part of the Kenya Urban Support Project II (KUSP II), aims to enhance infrastructure
and service delivery in the city. The recently launched Ahero Municipality will also
benefit from this initiative, receiving Sh16.8 million for similar projects.
The announcement of the new funding comes on the heels of the successful
implementation of KUSP I, where Kisumu received Sh1.7 billion. This initial funding
was instrumental in constructing a modern fire station, the Rotary Youth Innovation
Center, a non-motorised transport facility, and upgrading significant landmarks
such as Jomo Kenyatta Sports Grounds, Jamhuri Gardens, and the botanical garden.
Other notable projects included the construction of Nyamasaria Bus Park, Kibuye
Market, and Kaloleni Community Centre.
Charles Hinga, the Principal Secretary (PS) for Housing and Urban Development,
highlighted the substantial impact of KUSP I, noting that the program has
significantly modernised and fortified Kisumu’s infrastructure. During the launch of
the Kisumu Local Physical and Land Use Development Plan and the Sustainable
Mobility Plan, a speech read on his behalf by the Administration Secretary, Hiram
Kahiro, emphasised that KUSP II is set to build on the successes of the first phase.
"The second phase of KUSP is now on course following its execution on March 14,
2024, and Kisumu County stands poised to reap further benefits," Hinga stated.
Governor Anyang' Nyong’o expressed his appreciation for the World Bank-funded
program, acknowledging its pivotal role in Kisumu’s urban development. In a
speech by Deputy Governor Dr. Mathews Owili, Nyong’o recalled the challenges
faced upon taking office in 2017. “When I came into office, part of my work was to
restore order in Kisumu. The city was in disarray, with traders and hawkers
occupying the streets. Pedestrians had no space to walk, and even the traders
themselves were working in distress,” he said. The Governor emphasised that the
new markets provided under the program have greatly improved the working
conditions for traders, offering them shelter and a cleaner environment.
The county government is also in the final stages of implementing a Geospatial
Information System (GIS) to aid city planning. The Kisumu Local Physical and Land
Use Development Plan and Sustainable Mobility Plan, which spans from 2020 to
2040, is a comprehensive document designed to mitigate disasters such as floods,
reduce pollution, promote safe transportation routes, and foster an ecologically
balanced environment. The plan covers the entire city, including the urban core,
lakefront, urban renewal and regeneration areas, and extensions in the eastern and
northern parts of the city. It also includes zoning regulations, development control
mechanisms, and an environmental management plan aimed at transforming
Kisumu into a vibrant, resilient and smart lake metropolis through polycentric
spatial development.
The Sustainable Mobility Plan seeks to address mobility challenges by enhancing
transport investments to benefit all road users. This includes managing vehicular
traffic, improving public transport efficiency, and developing adequate walking and
cycling facilities. “This will avert mobility challenges characterised by increasing
vehicular traffic, inefficient public transport, inadequate walking and cycling
facilities, and poor parking management,” the Governor noted.
Bondo Member of Parliament (MP) Gideon Ochanda, representing the National
Assembly Committee on Housing, Lands, and Urban Development, praised
Kisumu’s efforts. He emphasised that the two plans are essential for urban renewal
and development. “It may sound ambitious, but this is the way to go. Western
countries took the same route and are ahead of us. It must be done,” he remarked.
As Kisumu continues to benefit from substantial investments and strategic
planning, the city’s residents can look forward to a brighter future marked by
improved infrastructure, better service delivery, and enhanced quality of life.
