The Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP) is set to extend its benefits to 18 new municipalities, in addition to the 77 already included in its second phase. The primary goal of the program is to enhance infrastructure and services in urban settlements.
Engineer Benjamin Njenga, the Secretary of Urban and Metropolitan Development, State Department for Housing and Urban Development, revealed that the World Bank would provide approximately Sh43 billion in funding, scheduled to be released in July 2024 after conducting appraisals on the selected municipalities.
During a gathering at the recently inaugurated Kabarnet Public Park, Njenga urged the municipalities to expedite their processes and adhere to the stipulated conditions to secure the funding. Among the nine minimum requirements, the municipalities must demonstrate autonomy, possess a functioning board, a working budget, and adequate personnel.
Njenga assured the gathering that the appraisals, planned for October of the current year, would also consider population growth in urban areas. This evaluation will subsequently inform increased allocations in the future, potentially raising the funds allocated per urban resident from Sh 2,500 to Sh 2,800.
Addressing concerns raised by local leaders, Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi conveyed his request to the Ministry of Lands and the World Bank for a reevaluation of Kabarnet town’s population. He asserted that the town’s population had exceeded 50,000, significantly higher than the 22,000 recorded in the 2009 National Population and Housing Census. Despite the population surge, urban allocations have remained unchanged, leading to constraints in existing facilities and services. The Governor called for additional funding from both state and non-state actors to uplift the livelihoods of urban dwellers.
Kabarnet MCA Ernest Kibet echoed Governor Cheboi’s sentiments, stressing the need for reevaluation to ensure all residents benefit from various funding sources. With the advent of devolution, Kabarnet town’s population has doubled, necessitating a review of the current funding model.
Baringo County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Architect Reuben Rutto, emphasized the rapid growth of Kabarnet town and stressed the importance of strengthening critical infrastructure like roads to improve accessibility. He also highlighted the stalled establishment of a sewerage plant, urging authorities to address this issue promptly to manage waste effectively within the municipality.
