This archive report was first published on 1 October 2019.
Published on October 1, 2019, a new initiative by the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Project (Kisip) has brought significant improvements to the lives of thousands of residents in informal settlements.
The project's infrastructure upgrade programme includes the installation of high mast lighting, which has boosted the socio-economic status of many households.
Businesses in areas like Kayole Soweto in Nairobi, Obunga in Kisumu, and Kasarani in Naivasha are now operating for longer hours, and customers can shop conveniently as late as midnight.
Female residents in informal settlements such as Kamukunji in Eldoret are grateful for the reduced risk of sexual assault, allowing them to leave their houses and source for food and supplies from the fresh produce market as early as 5am.
Children in Obunga have taken advantage of the lighting to do their homework or play in fields well lit by floodlights, while students and teachers at Milimani High School in Kericho enjoy a sense of security thanks to the floodlights.
Access to services in public facilities such as health centres, police posts, and chief camps near the lit-up areas has been enhanced, and security has improved.
Households have discarded harmful sources of lighting like kerosene tin lamps that contributed to respiratory diseases and other complications.
However, the initiative faces challenges, including high running costs and vandalism of the lighting masts.
Counties are exploring options to offset part of the power bills, such as exploiting advertising opportunities on the lighting masts and partnering with the national government for cheaper power supplies.
Additionally, counties should lobby utility firm Kenya Power and state agencies involved in security and trade to supply bigger-capacity transformers to informal settlements.
Community sensitisation and ownership of the initiative are also crucial in preventing vandalism and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project.
