Infrastructure investments under the Second Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP II) are transforming livelihoods and stimulating economic activity across informal settlements in Wajir Municipality, with residents reporting improved mobility, enhanced security, increased business opportunities and better access to essential services.
The government-funded programme, implemented by the State Department for Housing and Urban Development in partnership with the World Bank, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the European Union and the County Government of Wajir, has delivered major infrastructure improvements in Shalatey, Hodhan, Halane, Wagberi, Jogoo and Borwaqo settlements.
The project has seen the construction and improvement of roads, stormwater drainage systems, solar-powered street lighting and other public infrastructure, significantly improving living conditions while supporting inclusive urban development.
According to Wajir County KISIP Coordinator Mohamed Adow Abdi, the infrastructure upgrades have transformed the socio-economic outlook of beneficiary settlements by improving accessibility, security and the environment for businesses and investment.
“We have witnessed significant changes since the completion of the infrastructure works,” said Adow.
He noted that businesses can now operate for longer hours because of improved lighting, while better roads have reduced transport costs and improved access to markets, schools and health facilities.
Before the project, residents were forced to spend between Sh400 and Sh500 to travel to Wajir town, particularly because poor roads made transportation difficult during rainy seasons. Today, the same journey can cost approximately Sh100, allowing households to redirect savings towards food, education and other essential needs.
Roads, Drainage and Solar Lighting Drive Change
The KISIP II infrastructure package includes more than 8.4 kilometres of roads, nearly 10 kilometres of drainage channels, over 400 solar-powered streetlights and several high-mast floodlights strategically installed to improve mobility and security.
Project Engineer Blantom Gitau said the investments have addressed infrastructure challenges that had constrained economic activity and service delivery in the settlements for years.
“For many years residents struggled with poor roads, flooding and inadequate lighting. These challenges limited business activities and made movement difficult,” said Gitau.
He said the completed works have improved accessibility, strengthened security and created a more favourable environment for businesses, investors and public services. One of the project’s innovative features is the installation of vertical drainage systems designed specifically for Wajir’s flat terrain.
The system helps channel stormwater away from roads and residential areas while allowing water to seep underground, contributing to groundwater recharge in the arid region.
Gitau attributed the successful implementation of the project partly to extensive community participation during planning and implementation.
He said residents identified roads, drainage and street lighting as their priority needs, with their involvement helping create ownership and support for the project.
Improved Infrastructure Boosting Small Businesses
For small-scale traders, the infrastructure improvements have translated into longer operating hours, increased customer traffic and improved incomes.
Fatuma Aliada, who operates a roadside food business in Borwaqo Settlement, said solar-powered streetlights have allowed her to keep her business open after sunset.
“I used to close early because of insecurity and darkness. Now customers continue coming even after sunset because the area is well lit. My income has increased and I am better able to support my family,” she said.
In Halane Settlement, vegetable trader Rukia Abdullai said improved roads have attracted more customers while making it easier to transport produce.
The solar lighting has also enabled traders to continue operating during power outages, further improving business continuity.
Infrastructure Supports Livestock Economy
The improved road network is also supporting Wajir’s livestock economy, one of the county’s key economic activities.
Borwaqo Livestock Market Chairman Daud Mohamed said better connectivity has improved access to the market for traders, buyers and transporters from within and outside the county.
“Movement of people and goods has improved because the roads remain accessible throughout the year, including during the rainy season,” he said.
According to Mohamed, traders from neighbouring counties and across the border can now access the market more easily, increasing business activity and boosting incomes.
The improved public spaces have also encouraged residents to make greater use of the area for recreation, with families and young people taking evening walks along the paved roads under the solar-powered streetlights.
Boda Boda Operators Benefit from Better Roads
Transport operators have also experienced direct benefits from the improved infrastructure.
Boda boda operator Jackson said smoother roads have reduced motorcycle maintenance costs while enabling riders to make more trips each day.
“We spend less on repairs because the roads are in better condition, and we are able to reach customers much faster than before,” he said.
Community leaders say improved accessibility is also restoring investor confidence in settlements that had previously struggled to attract residential and commercial development because of poor infrastructure.
Shalatey Settlement Chairperson Mohamed Hussein said improved roads, drainage and lighting have made the area more attractive to investors and residents.
“Accessibility has improved greatly and more people are expressing interest in building homes and establishing businesses here,” he said.
He added that improved infrastructure has contributed to an increase in land values within the settlement.
KISIP II Links Infrastructure With Skills Development
Beyond physical infrastructure, KISIP II is also supporting socio-economic empowerment among residents.
Nearly 500 young people have received technical and vocational skills training through the project’s socio-economic inclusion programme.
The training has equipped youth with practical skills, enabling some to secure employment during construction while improving their long-term employability and income-generating potential.
The programme is also supporting land tenure regularization across seven informal settlements, with verification of plot ownership nearing completion ahead of the issuance of title deeds.
According to Adow, secure land ownership will give residents greater confidence to invest in permanent homes, businesses and other long-term developments.
“The title deeds will give residents security of tenure and encourage them to invest confidently in permanent developments that will improve the value of their properties and contribute to orderly urban growth,” he said.
The socio-economic gains being witnessed across Wajir’s informal settlements demonstrate the broader objectives of KISIP II, which seeks to combine infrastructure development, skills enhancement, economic empowerment and secure land tenure to improve living standards and promote inclusive urban growth.