Kisumu: Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Charles Hinga Mwaura has commended the Kenya Urban Support Program (KUSP) for its significant role in transforming urban areas across the country through strategic planning and infrastructure development. This initiative comes at a pivotal time when urban regions are experiencing rapid growth, necessitating meticulous planning to ensure these vital economic hubs are well-structured and developed.
According to Kenya News Agency, the World Bank, through the second phase of KUSP (KUSP II), is set to contribute a substantial Sh42 billion (US$350 million) to Kenya. This funding aims to enhance the capacities of 79 cities and municipalities, improving urban infrastructure resilience, fostering private sector involvement in urban planning, and supporting the integration of refugee camps into host communities. KUSP II, which commenced in March 2024, is scheduled to conclude in June 2028.
During an event in Kisumu, PS Hinga announced that Sh58 million has been disbursed as Urban Institutional Grants (UIG) to Kisumu County Government. This funding supports the management and establishment of urban areas within the county. The announcement coincided with the opening of Baby Pendo Botanical Garden and the groundbreaking ceremony for the Non-Motorized Transport Phase 3A (NMT Phase IIIA) project, a Sh306 million initiative aimed at developing pedestrian walkways, cycle lanes, and green spaces.
Kisumu City plans to utilize part of the Urban Development Grant to construct non-motorized transport facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, enhancing road safety. The second phase of KUSP has also allocated nearly Sh390 million to Kisumu City and Sh22 million to Ahero municipality for urban development projects.
The initial phase of KUSP (KUSP I), which ran from January 2018 to December 2023, provided Sh36 billion (US$300 million) to support the implementation of the Urban Areas and Cities Act (No. 13 of 2011). This resulted in the establishment and participation of 59 urban areas in KUSP I. Kisumu County received Sh50 million in Urban Institutional Grants and Sh1.8 billion in Urban Development Grants during this phase, funding projects like the NMT Project Phase 1 and the construction of a fire station and bus park.
The recent Baby Pendo Botanical Park inauguration holds deep significance, named in memory of Baby Pendo, a victim of post-election violence in 2017. Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o emphasized the park’s role in preserving history and fostering community development. The event was marked by an emotional appearance from Pendo’s parents, who expressed gratitude for the honor bestowed upon their daughter.
The NMT Phase 3A project is expected to be completed by February 2027, extending Kisumu City’s non-motorized transport facilities to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Governor Nyong’o reiterated the importance of such developments, citing projections that over 50% of Africa’s population will reside in urban areas by 2050, necessitating proactive infrastructure investments.
Additionally, the new Mowlem-Nyamasaria Bus Stage, visited by the PS, is designed to complement existing transport facilities, enhancing traffic management and accommodating Kisumu’s growth. Kisumu County Commissioner Mohammed Mwabudzo assured the public of heightened security measures to protect residents from criminal activities.
