The Kisumu government has rolled out a Sh1.4 billion project to transform slums into modern residential areas.
This is after the county qualified for the second Kenya Informal Settlements Improvements Project (KISIP 2).
The county had earlier successfully implemented KISIP 1. The project came to a close in 2020.
The slums set for upgrade are Nyalenda, Obunga, Manyatta, Migosi, Nyawita, Kaloleno, Shauri Moyo, Kibuye and Muhoroni.
Governor Anyang' Nyong’o said they will also improve roads, street lighting, instal water pipes, sewer lines and solid waste management facilities.
Chaju Builders have been awarded the tender to construct sewer lines, toilets and ablution blocks, tarmac roads and instal street lights in Obunga, Kibuye, Migosi, Bandani amd Kaloleni.
This is under the first lot funded by the World Bank.
Physical planning, housing and urban development executive Kennedy Hongo said a similar project will be carried out in Muhoroni under the second lot funded by the African Development Bank. The tender has been awarded to Octagon firm.
"We know and have witnessed rural-urban migration for jobs, better lives and social amenities and entertainment centres. Most of the people end up in the slums where they can get low-cost housing as they strive to better their lives," he said.
Hongo said community members recommended the projects they want prioritised.
The county government is also working with the UN-Habitat and the European Union in providing affordable houses in the slums.
Nyong'o said they have successfully completed the Kisumu City Physical and Land Use Development Plan.
The plan will help develop a future framework for five key areas of the city-the historical urban core, Kisumu Waterfront, CBD, the informal areas and the extended city boundaries.
Nyong'o said this plan will serve as an essential tool in guiding urban growth in a systematic and sustainable manner.
The county government has also started the process of zoning Kisumu.
The zones are Urban Core (Lake Front, CBD, Commercial, and Auji), Urban Renewal and Regeneration (Slum Belt), Eastern Extension (Nyamasaria, Kibos) and Northern Extension (Kisian Otonglo, Kiboswa, Wathorego and Gita).
The planning process is important to help investors know what to expect before investing in the city.
