UASIN GISHU, Kenya – In a significant step towards ensuring that all citizens live in dignity, the County Government of Uasin Gishu has presented a comprehensive policy to curb the expansion of informal settlements.
Presented at a high-level stakeholder workshop early this week, the County’s Slum Upgrading and Prevention Strategy describes the institutional, legal, and policy frameworks required to address current slums and stop the emergence of new ones. The project supports the Nguzo Kumi Agenda of Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim, especially Pillar 8, which addresses organised urban growth and the elimination of slums.
Directors from several departments, as well as other authorities and stakeholders, attended the conference.
County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Physical Planning, and Urban Development Edward Sawe, who presided over the meeting, highlighted the county’s proactive approach to fostering inclusive, livable, and sustainable urban environments.
“This strategy will guide our interventions and ensure coordination among partners to transform informal settlements into organised, serviced neighbourhoods,” said Sawe.
Why Uasin Gishu County has created a favourable policy environment
National agencies, civil society organisations, private sector participants, and technical consultants—including representatives from the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP) and Geodev (K) Ltd—who are instrumental in carrying out the program, were also represented at the forum.
KISIP’s Sally Lessas praised the county administration for creating a favourable policy environment, pointing out that it shows a strong commitment to better housing outcomes and inclusive urban planning.
The development of a digital housing database, intended to collect and combine information from the public and private sectors, is a crucial part of the plan. This will monitor housing patterns throughout the county, track progress, and promote evidence-based planning.
Chief Officer for Urban Planning, Julius Koech, expressed confidence that, with continued support, the government will be able to enhance and further develop the city, making it a better place for all its residents.
“We are extremely grateful to the KISIP community for their overwhelming support and contribution to our urban planning projects. Thanks to their efforts, we have achieved a remarkable 90% completion rate,” Koech said.
Why Uasin Gishu County is worried about growing slum conditions
The county expects the quick implementation of interventions ranging from regularisation and redevelopment of informal settlements to infrastructure enhancements, with financing and technical support already in place.
Slum conditions are still a major worry, according to Mary Kerich, Chief Officer for Lands, who underlined the initiative’s necessity.
“Intervention is no longer optional — it is urgent. This strategy gives us a roadmap to change lives and restore dignity in housing,” she said.
The County Executive Committee Member for Finance and Economic Planning, Micah Rogony, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, presented the 2025/2026 Budget at the Uasin Gishu County Assembly.
Why Uasin Gishu County is implementing the Nguzo 10 pillar
In his presentation, the CECM noted the deliberate and continuous improvements of infrastructure for the city dwellers by Governor Bii’s administration.
“Under Nguzo 10 on City and Urban Development, we have taken pivotal steps to enhance urban functionality and livability. Notably, traffic lights have been installed across key city junctions to improve traffic management and road safety. Also, placemaking initiatives have been done within the Central Business District, enhancing the city’s aesthetic appeal and creating more welcoming public spaces,” read part of his address
Rogony observed that the installation of the traffic lights within the Eldoret CBD has witnessed reduced accidents at the junction and traffic discipline among the boda boda and matatu drivers who initially would overlap at the highway, ending up causing traffic jams.
The aesthetic plants and green spaces within the city, according to Rogony, have in a big way improved the aesthetic value of Eldoret City and provided fresh air for City dwellers. The Adopt a Tree initiative, rolled out by Governor Bii, asking the business owners to adopt a tree in front of their shops, ensured a high survival rate for the trees.
“To facilitate well-coordinated physical development across the county, we will enhance our physical planning services by developing a spatial plan for the county, master plans for urban and peri-urban areas, and local physical development plans (LPDPs). Additionally, Sh20 million has been allocated for the preparation of the valuation rolls for Eldoret City and the six municipalities set to receive charters,” Rogony explained.
How Uasin Gishu seeks to benefit from Eldoret city status
The county also seeks to leverage the opportunities presented by Eldoret’s city status to enhance service delivery for residents.
“To support this effort, I propose an allocation of Sh70 million in the coming year for the acquisition of land for the Kipkenyo Dumpsite. This investment aims to address the longstanding waste management challenges and foster a cleaner city,” the address further reads.
The City of Eldoret is mandated to collect, transport and dump solid waste from within the CBD and dump the garbage at Kipkenyo Dumpsite. With the growing population of city dwellers and the elevation of Eldoret from a municipality to a city, which will witness an influx of people to invest in the city, there is a need to expand the dumpsite to accommodate the ever-increasing solid waste.
“Additionally, we will continue to seek donor support to enhance social infrastructure within the city, including the development of a bus park, 64 Stadium and other essential amenities,” Rogony said.
Uasin Gishu County’s dedication to bettering urban planning and raising the standard of living for its residents is demonstrated by the adoption of the Slum Upgrading and Prevention Strategy, which serves as a template for other devolved units nationwide.
