By Enock Maroa
World Bank Group Vice President and Chief Risk Officer Dennis McLaughlin recently praised the Second Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Project (KISIP2) for its transformative work in Kiambu County during a visit to Umoja Settlement in Thika Municipality.
Accompanied by Kiambu County Governor H.E. Kimani Wamatangi, World Bank officials, and the National Project Coordination Team led by National Project Coordinator George Arwa, McLaughlin inspected ongoing projects worth Ksh. 900 million.
McLaughlin highlighted the World Bank’s commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities, stating, “Our vision is to see informal settlement residents connected to the world—accessing services, working, and thriving like any other citizen. We are dedicated to supporting infrastructure upgrades that improve living conditions and create sustainable income opportunities.”
Governor Wamatangi reaffirmed the county’s commitment to the partnership with the World Bank and Agence Française de Développement (AFD). “We are proud of this collaboration and fully committed to transparent and effective implementation of these projects,” he said. “This partnership goes beyond infrastructure—it restores dignity, hope, and opportunity.” He thanked McLaughlin and the World Bank for their belief in the potential of Kiambu’s residents.
KISIP2 is upgrading infrastructure in six informal settlements across Kiambu County, including Umoja, Kiang’ombe, Bosnia, Fort Jesus, and Misri. The projects include tarmac and cabro stone roads, footpaths, drainage systems, and solar street lighting, significantly improving safety and accessibility.
George Arwa emphasized the project’s broader impact, noting, “Starting with issuing title deeds in Umoja, we’ve given residents a sense of ownership and security. Infrastructure upgrades like roads, security lights, and drainage have empowered residents to access bank loans and invest in their properties confidently.”
The program also includes land tenure regularization in five settlements—Matharau, Kiandutu, Kanjeru, Kiamburi, and Shauriyako Kiroe. Over 6,000 title deeds are in the final stages of production, with survey plans approved by the County Assembly and now under review by the Survey of Kenya. This initiative is set to benefit thousands of residents by securing their land ownership.
Governor Wamatangi described KISIP2 as a “game changer” for Kiambu’s informal settlements, enhancing access to basic services and land tenure security. The county’s commitment to rigorous monitoring ensures the effective use of funds, promising lasting improvements for residents.
