In Kenya’s fast-growing urban centers, informal settlements often referred to as slums remain a stark reality for millions of residents. Characterized by inadequate housing, poor infrastructure, insecure tenure, and limited access to basic services, these settlements pose significant challenges to both human dignity and sustainable urban development.
In response, the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP) was launched as a transformative initiative aimed at addressing these issues head-on.
KISIP represents a critical shift in how the country views and manages informal settlements: not as problems to be eradicated through forced evictions, but as communities to be upgraded through inclusive planning, infrastructure investment, and social empowerment. This article explores the goals, achievements, strategies, and future of KISIP in the broader context of housing and urban development in Kenya.
What Is KISIP?
The Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP) is a government-led initiative supported by international development partners such as the World Bank, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), and the French Development Agency (AFD). It was officially launched in 2011 and implemented by the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development in partnership with county governments and other stakeholders.
The project aims to improve the living conditions of people living in urban informal settlements across Kenya by focusing on infrastructure upgrading, land tenure security, and institutional strengthening.
Core Objectives of KISIP
KISIP was developed around three strategic pillars:
- Infrastructure Improvement
This involves the installation or upgrading of basic services such as:- Road networks and footpaths
- Drainage and stormwater systems
- Water supply and sanitation
- Street lighting
- Waste management systems
These services help reduce public health risks, improve mobility, and promote safer, cleaner environments.
- Security of Tenure
Many residents in informal settlements lack formal recognition of land ownership, making them vulnerable to displacement. KISIP addresses this by:- Facilitating participatory settlement mapping and planning
- Issuing titles and certificates of occupancy
- Promoting legal land ownership frameworks
This builds residents’ confidence to invest in their homes and communities.
- Institutional and Policy Reforms
KISIP supports capacity-building within urban planning and housing agencies, as well as reforms in policy and legislation to promote sustainable urban development. It emphasizes community participation, transparency, and governance.
Achievements of KISIP
Since its inception, KISIP has made measurable progress in improving the quality of life in targeted settlements:
- Over 100 informal settlements have benefited across more than 15 counties.
- Thousands of households have received secure tenure documents.
- More than 200 km of roads and footpaths have been upgraded.
- Extensive improvements in drainage and sanitation have reduced health hazards like waterborne diseases.
- Public spaces and social amenities such as playgrounds, street lighting, and community centers have been developed.
In Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Kakamega, and other urban areas, residents have experienced better access to services, improved safety, and stronger social cohesion as a result of KISIP interventions.
Why KISIP Matters
The relevance of KISIP goes beyond just physical upgrades. Its value lies in the human-centered approach it adopts. Instead of demolishing slums or relocating people, the project works with communities to understand their needs and design improvements that are context-sensitive and inclusive.
This participatory methodology enhances:
- Trust between citizens and government
- Community ownership of urban development projects
- Sustainability of improvements over the long term
Moreover, KISIP aligns with broader global and national goals, including:
- Kenya Vision 2030, which emphasizes improved quality of life for all citizens
- The Big Four Agenda, particularly the Affordable Housing pillar
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Challenges Facing KISIP
Despite its progress, the program faces a range of challenges:
- Population Pressure: The demand for housing and services in informal areas continues to rise, sometimes outpacing interventions.
- Land Tenure Complexity: Legal and historical land ownership disputes often slow down the regularization process.
- Budget Constraints: Sustainable funding remains a challenge, especially in expanding the project to more settlements.
- Community Engagement Fatigue: Some residents become skeptical or disengaged due to delays or unfulfilled expectations.
These issues highlight the need for stronger policy backing, increased funding, and improved coordination between national and county governments.
The Future of KISIP
In 2020, the government launched KISIP II, the second phase of the project, which is expected to run through 2026. This new phase builds on the successes of the first and expands its scope to reach additional counties and settlements.
Key additions in KISIP II include:
- Greater focus on social inclusion, especially women and marginalized groups
- Expanded scope of community facilities and public infrastructure
- Strengthened collaboration with local governments for urban resilience
- Emphasis on green infrastructure and climate-smart planning
The next steps for KISIP will be critical in shaping Kenya’s urban future and addressing the long-standing inequalities that exist in informal settlements.
The Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project stands as a model of sustainable, inclusive, and humane urban development. By combining infrastructure upgrades with secure tenure and community engagement, KISIP is not only transforming spaces but also restoring dignity and opportunity to some of Kenya’s most underserved populations.
As urbanization accelerates, replicating and scaling up such initiatives will be vital. With continued political will, proper funding, and active participation from all stakeholders, KISIP has the potential to become a cornerstone in Kenya’s journey toward equitable and resilient urban growth.
