Kilifi County’s informal settlements are set to undergo a comprehensive facelift, thanks to a Ksh 1.2 billion project under the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Project (KISIP 2). This government initiative, supported by the World Bank and executed with the Kilifi County Government, targets enhancing infrastructure, security, and basic amenities in seven settlements across Kilifi and Malindi towns. By February 2025, the projects aim to uplift living standards for thousands of Kilifi residents, creating a blueprint for sustainable urban improvement.
This investment has been channeled into upgrading critical infrastructure, including 13 kilometers of tarmac roads complete with drainage systems, installation of street lighting, and the construction of 250 public toilets. Kilifi County Housing and Urban Development Chief Officer Ali Abubakar outlined the primary areas of focus: Kibaoni, Baya Magonzi, Kalolo, Mtaani, and Kisumu Ndogo in Kilifi town, as well as Muyeye and Kibokoni M17 in Malindi town. As of now, construction is well underway, with the project reaching the halfway mark.
Residents of these areas welcomed the recent upgrades, which have already improved safety and accessibility, with residents expressing optimism about the changes to come. “The improvements in roads and street lighting will help us with communication and security,” commented Jackson Haro, a resident of Kilifi, reflecting a common sentiment shared by others. Enhanced lighting and road networks are expected to play a pivotal role in reducing crime rates and facilitating a 24-hour economy, thereby supporting businesses and the local economy.
The project also includes measures to address long-standing issues around land ownership, a critical component for the development of informal settlements. For the first time, many residents will receive title deeds, a move that provides much-needed security in land tenure and boosts property value. In settlements like Mazeras and Kibokoni, land value has seen a significant increase, with plots now worth as much as Ksh 4 million, a stark rise from previous valuations between Ksh 600,000 and Ksh 800,000. This appreciation in land value reflects the renewed confidence in these areas as viable places for business and residence.
In addition to infrastructure, KISIP 2 is also addressing the need for business development and sanitation. In an innovative approach, 16 cargo containers are being repurposed to create 96 business stalls in Kilifi settlements, providing much-needed commercial space for local entrepreneurs. According to Engineer Julius Kiplimo, the KISIP Project Manager, the project is approximately 50% complete, with a targeted conclusion date in early 2025. These stalls are expected to not only boost local commerce but also provide jobs and support Kilifi’s informal economy.
Muyeye residents in Malindi particularly applauded the construction of 250 public toilets, an essential amenity that addresses a critical gap in sanitation services. Previously, many residents relied on makeshift options like nearby thickets, which posed health risks and heightened safety concerns, especially for women. “This project has helped address a major sanitation challenge,” said Mariam Salim Makokha, a resident who noted that the lack of toilets had disproportionately affected women, exposing them to risks of harassment. Currently, 125 of the planned 250 toilets have been completed, a milestone confirmed by Judith Fadhili, the project management committee vice-chair. This critical infrastructure is anticipated to improve overall health standards and quality of life for residents.
Kibokoni residents, including Kadii Katana Baya and Alfred Chogo, also voiced their appreciation for the newly paved roads and streetlights, noting how they will help with transportation and reduce flooding during rainy seasons. The improved infrastructure, they believe, will facilitate ease of movement and open up possibilities for businesses to operate around the clock by making the neighborhoods safer and more accessible.
The project has also generated employment, especially for young people, a benefit that is integral to the project’s vision of sustainable development. “These projects are creating job opportunities for the youth,” noted local resident Julius Ndegwa, underscoring the broader socioeconomic benefits KISIP 2 brings to Kilifi.
As the Kilifi community watches these projects transform their neighborhoods, the hope remains that the improvements will be expanded to other areas facing similar challenges. The KISIP 2 initiative in Kilifi sets a hopeful precedent for other counties, demonstrating how targeted investment in infrastructure and essential services can reshape informal settlements and improve the quality of life.
