Nakuru Receives World Bank Funding for Slum UpgradesNakuru County Tackles Malnutrition and Stunted Growth Through Local Agriculture

Nakuru, Kenya – The State Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced a significant financial commitment of Sh 1 billion towards the enhancement of living conditions within informal settlements in Nakuru, under the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Programme II (KISIP). This initiative is a continuation of efforts to improve infrastructure and access to basic services in low-income areas.

According to Kenya News Agency, the World Bank-funded initiative has allocated Shs 500 million to the County Government of Nakuru to support ongoing projects aimed at enhancing basic service access in the Kwa-Murogi, London, Lake View areas of Nakuru Town, and the Karagita slums in Naivasha.

The project’s scope includes upgrading drainage systems, managing waste, improving roads, and installing street and high-mast floodlights within these communities. Mr. Kamau Kuria, the County Chief Officer in Charge of Housing and Urban Development, stated that the initiative also encompasses the finalization of designs for the upgrade of the Kapkures and Kiratina slums in Nakuru municipality, as well as the Mwisho wa Lami settlements in Njoro Sub-County, and Tayari low-income areas, with an additional budget of Shs 500 million.

During an inspection by the KISIP National Project Coordination Team and the County Project Coordination Team, Mr. Kuria highlighted the project’s comprehensive approach, which includes issuing title deeds, laying sewerage lines, and water connectivity. He assured residents that the project consultants are committed to delivering value for the invested funds.

George Arwa, the KISIP National Project Coordinator, revealed that the project is part of a larger Sh31.7 billion initiative funded by the World Bank and the French Development Agency to improve low-cost housing and general infrastructure in 33 counties across Kenya. This effort aims at enhancing land tenure security and infrastructure, including roads, drainage, pedestrian walkways, and water connections, while also linking beneficiaries to socio-economic opportunities.

The alarming rate of urban population growth in Kenya, with a significant portion living in slums, underscores the urgency of such projects. By 2020, Kenya had nearly 7.6 million urban dwellers living in informal settlements. The World Bank’s initial phase of KISIP provided Nakuru County with a Sh429.7 million grant, benefiting slums like Kaptembwa, Kivumbini, and Lake-View through improvements in drainage, waste management, road tarmacking, and lighting.

The project aligns with Governor Susan Kihika’s broader vision for Nakuru, including a master plan to redesign the town and alleviate congestion. The KISIP-2, according to Mr. Kuria, represents a transformative step towards improving living standards through access to basic services and land tenure security for thousands of Nakuru’s informal settlement residents.

Nakuru KISIP-2 site engineer Peris Wachira reported significant progress on various infrastructure projects, including road tarmacking and walkway improvements, which are expected to be completed within a year. The initiative has also provided employment opportunities for over 200 youths in Nakuru town.

Residents like Linet Kerubo of Kwa-Murogi have expressed optimism about the project’s potential to significantly uplift living standards in previously dilapidated areas, emphasizing the importance of road access, sanitation, electricity, and land ownership. The KISIP initiative also supports the national government’s affordable housing efforts and aims to formalize informal settlements, providing residents with basic infrastructure services and land tenure security as part of Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals.

NAKURU, Kenya — In a bid to combat malnutrition and stunted growth, residents of Elburgon Ward in Nakuru County have turned to the cultivation of African leafy vegetables, leveraging the region’s agricultural potential. Despite the area’s favorable climatic conditions and rich soil, which support a diverse range of crops, Nakuru County continues to face challenges with malnutrition and stunted growth among children.

According to Kenya News Agency, Nakuru County has made progress in reducing malnutrition and stunted growth rates among children from 28 to 18 per 100. However, the need for further improvement remains critical, with a focus on bridging the gap between food production and nutritional needs. Leah Kigoro, a local resident and mother of two, shared her experience with traditional diets and the seasonal consumption of African leafy vegetables, underscoring the opportunity for more sustainable production practices.

The cultivation of vegetables such as Amaranthas (Terere), Nightshade (Managu/ Mnavu), and Spider plant (Sagaa) is being promoted as a means to enhance nutritional intake and support overall health. These vegetables are rich in essential nutrients, including potassium, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, offering benefits such as blood pressure regulation, increased lactation for nursing mothers, and improved immunity and health recovery post-childbirth.

Margaret Njeri, echoing Kigoro’s sentiments, highlighted the affordability and nutritional benefits of domesticating the production of these leafy greens. The Hope Women group, of which Kigoro is a secretary, has embraced this initiative, leasing plots to grow vegetables and seeking expertise on cultivation and market access. This effort is supported by Cascade, a program under Care Kenya, which aims to bolster the community’s health and economic status through agricultural education and capacity building.

Leah Kaguara, Country Director at Care International in Kenya, emphasized the importance of this initiative in addressing the persistent issue of stunted growth, which affects 18 in every 100 children in the country. The program targets not only the production of these nutritious vegetables but also aims to establish market connections for surplus produce, thereby ensuring food security and income generation for the community.

Care International’s collaboration with the county government involves training farmers in best practices and soil management to sustain crop growth even in dry seasons. The Farmer-Field-Business Model is being utilized to enhance food production, nutrition, and market linkages, with a focus on empowering women in agriculture and ensuring equitable access to resources.

Anne Odhiambo, Nakuru County Agricultural Officer, highlighted the extension services provided to farmers to promote safe and nutritious food production. With concerted efforts, including those by Nutrition International and the Ministry of Health, Nakuru County is poised to make significant strides in improving nutrition and combating malnutrition and stunted growth, not only within its borders but also across Kenya.