After a successful five-day capacity building for the County Project Coordinating Team (CPCT) members, the Department of Lands CECM Hon. Ndirangu Gachunia officially closed the workshop which was meant to enhance the implementation of Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Programme II (KISIP 2) projects in Nyeri County.
Under KISIP 2, the CPCT which was constituted as per section 3.3 of the Project Operational Manal (POM) is mandated to do the following:
a) The day-to-day coordination of the county-level project activities.
b) Working closely with relevant offices of the county to implement county-level activities supported by the project.
c) Preparation of procurement plans, procurement and implementation of infrastructure works with technical assistance and quality assurance provided by the NPCT.
d) Implementation of the environmental and social safeguards instruments including Social Management Plans (SMP) and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) where applicable.
e) Monitoring & Evaluation, reporting and disseminating information about the project (including preparation of annual work plans, contract awards, physical and financial progress of works contracts, and so on) at the county level.
f) Mainstreaming all KISIP2 activities into the County programming and budgeting systems and for the briefing of the County Executive.
g) Regularly consulting and coordinating with the NPCT in project implementation.
During the workshop which was also in collaboration with the KISIP 2 National team, the CPCT was enlightened on various topics which include; Overview of the KISIP 2 projects, components and the status of all components undertaken in the county, Scope of the main works, timelines and responsibilities, KISIP II procurement in line with World Bank rules and regulations, KISIP II financial management and update on financial status of the projects, Environmental safeguards progress reporting, Social safeguards and Grievances Redress Mechanisms, Project reporting, monitoring and evaluation among other topics.
In Nyeri County, KISIP 2 is scaling up the activities of KISIP1 to reach new informal/slum settlements while also completing pending upgrading efforts under KISIP1. The project is financing the county through the national government to improve living conditions in informal settlements by; infrastructure investments, enhancing security of land tenure, building the capacity of urban and land institutions and planning for urban growth.
Under KISIP 1, over 700 title deeds were issued to Ihwagi, Miiri, Ngorano, Gikaibei, Githeri, Kiaruhiu, Mweiga (Gikomo/Kiawara), Kiamwathi, Njoguini among other settlements. Plans are underway to issue title deeds to Gitunduti and Ndumanu informal settlements in Magutu ward, Mathira East sub-county.
Currently, the five informal settlements which are Kiamwathi and Chorong’i in Ruring’u ward, Nyeri Central sub-county, Kiawara in Rware ward, Nyeri Central sub-county, Mweiga in Mweiga ward, Kieni West sub-county and Ihwagi in Iria-ini ward, Mathira East sub-county are undergoing revamping under Main Works that includes construction of tarmac roads with efficient drainage systems, street lights, high mast flood light, footpaths, seamless water connections, a raised water tower, ablution blocks and dumpsters to manage solid waste. 30-metres high mast-public security lights have already been installed in all the five settlements under Small Works.
KISIP 2 development objective is to enhance access to basic services and improve tenure security of residents in participating urban informal settlements, and strengthen institutional capacity for slum upgrading not only in Kenya but also in counties. This is achieved by investing in infrastructure based on plans developed in consultation with the community, by supporting planning, surveying and issuance of land documents for residents of informal settlements, and by strengthening capacity of county administrations to deliver on their mandates.