Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has held talks with a World Bank delegation on the progress of urban infrastructure projects aimed at improving living conditions in informal settlements and transforming towns and shopping centres across the county.
The discussions focused on completed and ongoing works under the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Programme Two (KISIP 2) and the second phase of the Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP 2), which support urban development and the improvement of essential infrastructure.
The World Bank team was led by Abhas Jha, Manager for Urban Development and Disaster Risk Management for Eastern and Southern Africa. Representatives from the Council of Governors and the State Department for Devolution also attended the meeting.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the county government and its development partners to review progress made under the programmes and assess ongoing efforts to address infrastructure gaps in rapidly growing urban centres.
Wamatangi said the county had lined up a series of projects targeting towns and shopping centres, with a focus on improving road networks, drainage, sanitation, street lighting and pedestrian infrastructure.
The planned interventions include tarmacking roads, installing cabro blocks on streets and walkways, constructing drainage systems, installing solar powered streetlights and expanding sewerage networks.
The projects are expected to improve access to essential services, enhance mobility for residents and traders, and address some of the infrastructure challenges associated with rapid urbanisation.
Improved roads and walkways would also make commercial centres more accessible, while better drainage systems could help reduce flooding and the deterioration of roads during heavy rains.
The expansion of sewerage infrastructure is particularly important in densely populated settlements, where inadequate sanitation facilities can pose risks to public health and the environment.
Solar streetlighting is expected to improve visibility in public spaces after dark, potentially enhancing security and extending the hours during which businesses can operate.
The county’s engagement with the World Bank comes amid growing pressure on local governments to provide infrastructure that keeps pace with population growth, commercial activity and the expansion of urban settlements.
Through KISIP 2 and KUSP 2, the national government, counties and development partners are pursuing interventions intended to strengthen urban infrastructure and improve the quality of life in participating urban areas.
For Kiambu, which has experienced significant urban growth driven by residential expansion, trade and its proximity to Nairobi, the upgrading of roads, drainage, sanitation and public spaces remains a key development priority.
The latest discussions are expected to help maintain coordination between the county government and its development partners as they assess the implementation of ongoing projects and the delivery of planned infrastructure.
However, the impact of the programmes will ultimately depend on the timely completion of the works, the quality of construction and the county’s capacity to maintain the infrastructure after the projects are handed over.
The county government is expected to continue working with the relevant national government agencies and development partners to advance urban renewal initiatives and improve infrastructure in its towns and growing commercial centres.
