One year after Eldoret was elevated to a city status, the push to upgrade infrastructure in informal settlements has gained momentum, with the ongoing rehabilitation of the 4-kilometer Maili Nne Road, emerging as one of the flagship projects under the Second Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP2).
Funded by the World Bank in partnership with the National and County Governments, KISIP2 seeks to improve living conditions and stimulate economic growth across Eldoret’s informal neighborhoods.
During an inspection tour of the project, Uasin Gishu County Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii said the road represents far more than new tarmac and drainage, describing it as a catalyst for social and economic renewal.
“This road is more than just tarmac and drainage; it represents a new chapter of social and economic revitalization for Maili Nne. It means mothers can reach hospitals faster, traders can transport their goods efficiently, children can attend school safely and investors will be more inclined to establish businesses in this area,” he said.
The ongoing works, which include modern drainage, walkways, floodlights and street lighting, are transforming Maili Nne settlement after decades of residents enduring muddy, impassable roads, persistent flooding and insecurity after dark.
County officials expect the project to raise land values, attract small-scale industries and spur new housing developments. They also point out that better connectivity is reducing travel costs to Eldoret town, boosting overall productivity.
Uasin Gishu County Executive for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Edward Sawe, emphasized that the initiative aligns closely with Governor Bii’s Nguzo Kumi development agenda, highlighting its role in uplifting communities and driving inclusive growth.
“By investing in settlements like Maili Nne, we are enhancing dignity, safety and economic opportunity for all residents. This is the urban growth model we aim to replicate across Uasin Gishu,” said Sawe.
On her part, Chief Officer for Housing and Urban Development, Mary Kerich, added that infrastructure upgrades provide a vital foundation for inclusive growth, stressing that such improvements go beyond physical development to empower communities economically and socially.
“When we improve roads, drainage and lighting in informal settlements, we are not just upgrading infrastructure. We are unlocking economic potential, as property owners invest in better housing, new businesses emerge and young people find jobs in construction and services. This approach bridges the gap between marginalized settlements and the modern city,” she affirmed.
The local business people commented that the impact is already visible, with small kiosks and eateries recording more customers, while boda boda operators report that improved safety and road conditions now allow them to extend their working hours.
Peter Mwangi, a boda boda rider, welcomed the change, noting that for years he and his colleagues struggled to navigate the muddy, waterlogged roads that often made it difficult to transport passengers, especially during the rainy season, but with the ongoing improvements, life and business have taken a positive turn.
“Before, carrying a passenger here during the rainy season was nearly impossible. Now the road is smooth, and we can work late into the evening because of the streetlights. Our income has increased,” he said.
Traders at the Maili Nne market are also optimistic about the transformation, with many saying the improved infrastructure has already begun to breathe new life into their businesses. Vegetable seller Mary Jepchumba said her daily sales have doubled since construction began.
“Customers no longer avoid this place because of mud and stagnant water. The market is alive again and I can even think of expanding my business,” she noted.
The Maili Nne Road upgrade is part of a wider rollout under KISIP2, which also covers Segero, KK, Kasarani, Shauri, Kipkaren, Mwanzo and Huruma settlements.
The program emphasizes community involvement in planning and oversight to ensure developments reflect local needs.
As the project nears completion, optimism is high among residents who see it as a turning point. For them, the new tarmacked road is not just a transport link, but a pathway to social mobility, economic growth and a brighter future.
By Fredrick Maritim
