Uasin Gishu: The Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP) Component 2 on Social Economic Inclusion has officially commenced in Uasin Gishu County, targeting the informal settlements of Kipkaren and Mwanzo. This initiative aims to improve the living conditions of these communities and enhance their socio-economic development.

According to Kenya News Agency, the national project representative for the social economic inclusion component, Zenah Kurui, highlighted the transformative potential of the programme. It seeks to empower the marginalized populations by involving them in decision-making processes to directly identify and address their challenges. The programme incorporates capacity-building, training programs, workshops, and the creation of labour-based job opportunities.

During the launch of the verification process for the KISIP II projects in Eldoret, County Director for Housing, Ms. Beatrice Menjo, noted the active participation and ownership demonstrated by residents of Mwanzo and Kipkaren. She emphasized the programme's commitment to gender equality and the inclusion of vulnerable groups, ensuring equal opportunities for women, youth, and persons with disabilities in the development process.

KISIP II, in collaboration with the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), also focuses on providing skills development training for the youth in areas such as plumbing, masonry, carpentry, welding, and mechanics. NITA representative Kevin Mutuli mentioned that these skills aim to offer sustainable job opportunities beyond the programme's duration.

Additionally, the programme seeks to support individuals at risk of gender-based violence, safeguarding vulnerable populations while fostering empowerment initiatives. Veronica Koech, programme consultant from Pamoja Trust, stated that KISIP II is also enhancing social infrastructure by developing social halls and promoting women's economic inclusion through groups like savings and investment groups (chamas).

Through these comprehensive efforts, KISIP II aims to create a more inclusive and sustainable future for the residents of Kipkaren and Mwanzo informal settlements.