From slums to investment hubs: How KISIP II is reshaping towns
By Nicholas Waitahthu
Formalising land ownership through issuance of title deeds and provision of critical services in various informal settlement schemes across the country has led to emergence of new businesses and increased land value.
Under an ambitious Sh27.8 billion Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Project (KISIP 2 by the Government and development partners, land value in informal settlement schemes has increased tremendously and equally attracted new investors.
Under the programme, 38 selected informal settlement schemes are benefiting from infrastructure development, enhancement of land tenure, street light installation and provision of water and sewer systems.
In various informal settlement schemes in Embu, Kirinyaga, Nyeri and Kiambu counties, land prices have increased by between 87 per cent and 1,200 per cent respectively for the last 16 years.
For example, in Fort Jesus informal settlement scheme in Kiambu county prices of land have increased by close to 1200 per cent from Sh1 million in 2016 for a plot of 50×100 to Sh13millio in 2026.
During a media tour recently in counties of Embu, Kirinyaga, Nyeri and Kiambu residents hailed the programme saying it will help in boosting Kenya’s broader inspirations of sustainable urban development and jobs creation as businesses thrive even late at night, with the village almost becoming a 24-hour economy.
“The provision of critical services has opened avenues for new investors a situation triggering increase in land value and emergence of new businesses thus opening job opportunities to majority of youth,” said Mr. Julius Mwololo KISIP coordinator in charge of Kiambu County in an interview at Fort Jesus informal settlement scheme in Gitambaya in Ruiru of Kiambu County.
Land prices
In counties of Kiambu, Embu, Kirinyaga and Nyeri which are benefiting from the critical services, land prices have increased by between 87 per cent and 1,200 per cent for the last 16 years.
For example, in Fort Jesus informal settlement scheme in Kiambu County due to improved critical amenities, a plot measuring 50×100 cost Sh13 Million currently compared to Sh1 million in 2016 for a plot of 50×100 to 2026.
The plots bought in the 1960s at Sh5 by the original dwellers are now goldmines as middle class among other investors scout for new settlement areas.
In Kiangombe village located on the outskirts of Thika town, property prices since 2018 have increased by between 200 per cent and 400 per cent.
In Ithare Village which was one of the colonial settlement schemes in Kirinyaga County, even though plans are underway to issue title deeds to residents, improvement of infrastructure has led to increase in land prices.
In Kiawara village in Mweiga of Nyeri county, property prices, especially plots (50 x100) since 2010 have increased by 200 per cent. This according to Mark Thuo a landlord in the area follows provision of roads, streets, and drainage systems.
“We have in recent year’s encountered investors scouting for investment opportunities in our area, for example, investors interested in setting up shopping malls, education, and general businesses.
Even though residents are yet to start disposing of their parcels to potential investors, provision of services mainly roads and street lights, water and sewer systems has contributed to increased urban renewal,” said Mr. Thuo.
In the Ithata A and B informal settlements in Kimangaru in Embu County, Government has already concluded land surveying and demarcation, helping to resolve long-standing land disputes.
Lydiah Wanjiru, Chairperson of the Settlement Executive Committee says the project’s efforts have created clarity on land ownership, enabling residents to build better homes.
“For years, there were disputes over land boundaries. Now, everyone knows their exact plot, which has encouraged people to invest in their homes,” Wanjiru said.
In Kiambu county Umoja settlements scheme under KISIP programme, 164 households were issued with 60 single and joint title deeds sometimes back.
The settlement has equally benefited from cabro paving roads, streets lights and drainage.
“The title deeds issuance process is influencing increase in plot prices by between 87 and 150 per cent respectively. This paved the way for the entry of new investors who bought the land parcels from some of our members,” said Philip Thenge, the chairman of the settlement executive committee.
In her shop at Kiawara village in Nyeri County, Jane Wachu says Government efforts to install solar street lights, fixing roads and drainage has led to improvement of business.
“Before the crucial amenities were provided, we could close our shops before 6am fearing attacks. But since they are issued with title deeds and facilities provided, we open as early as 5am in the morning and close at midnight,” said Mrs. Wachu.
KISIP2 is a key Vision 2030 enabler with interventions which support the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and Governments commitment in facilitating Kenyans to access land, adequate, quality and decent housing facilities.
The Sh27.8billion KISIP 2 programme is financed by the Government of Kenya to a tune of $15Million, the World Bank to a tune of $142 Million, French Development Agency (AFD) at €45 Million and a €4.45 Million grant from the European Union.
The project is domiciled at the state department for housing and urban development in the industry of lands, public works, housing and urban development and being implemented through the 38 participating county Governments and close partnership with other state agencies and stakeholders.
