The Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP), in collaboration with Pamoja Trust, has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and employment creation through the development and review of Community Development Plans (CDPs) for Mwanzo and Kipkaren informal settlements in Eldoret City, Uasin Gishu County.
Hosted by County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Community Development Edward Sawe, the session brought together stakeholders to assess the 10-year, community-driven CDPs that are poised to transform informal settlements into hubs of opportunity and inclusive growth.
At the heart of the reviewed plans is a strong focus on youth employment. KISIP, through its Component 2 led by Zenah Kirui, integrated a robust skills development strategy that will see youth trained in trades such as masonry, plumbing, electrical work and carpentry.
These vocational programs are designed to culminate in NITA (National Industrial Training Authority) certification, offering youth not just skills but recognized qualifications that improve employability and economic mobility.
“As we move into the implementation phase, youth empowerment is central. Through skills training and certification, we are not only building infrastructure; we are building livelihoods and community resilience,” said Ms Kirui, underscoring KISIP’s dual goal of infrastructure and human capital development.
Pamoja Trust complemented these efforts with a presentation of the CDP frameworks, outlining the critical roles local communities will play in project implementation, timelines and long-term sustainability.
Sawe applauded the alignment of the plans with Uasin Gishu County’s strategic vision.
“Some of these proposals mirror the vision of the Governor, Dr Jonathan Bii. It is vital that all county departments fully engage to ensure collective ownership and successful delivery of these transformative projects,” he noted.
The process also highlighted the collaborative strength of teams from KISIP, the National and County Project Coordination Team (NCPCT & CPCT) and Pamoja Trust in fostering community-led planning.
The Community Development Plans are expected to serve as strategic roadmaps for job creation, youth empowerment and long-term socio-economic transformation within Uasin Gishu’s informal settlements.
Also in attendance were Chief Officer Julius Koech (Lands and Physical Planning) and Directors Beatrice Menjo (Housing) and Nelly Jerotich (Lands), who emphasized the county’s readiness to support the youth-centric initiatives embedded in the CDPs.
By Fredrick Maritim
