An ambitious programme for the redevelopment of Kenya's informal settlements, supported by the Italian Cooperation, was launched this morning: this was announced in a joint statement by the Italian Embassy in Nairobi and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). The Kisrp (Kenya informal settlement redevelopment programme) aims to improve connectivity, access to basic services and security in the country's peri-urban and peripheral areas.
The launch took place during a ceremony presided over by the Italian Ambassador to Kenya, Roberto Natali, which was attended by the Deputy Regent of the Nairobi office of AICS, Valeria Buoninfante, along with representatives from the reference counties (Siaya, Kajiado, Kilifi) and the Kenya Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development.
In Kenya, over 15% of the urban population lives in informal settlements and 53% of the population is considered multidimensionally poor, i.e. lacking access to essential services such as clean water, food, immunisation, quality housing and education.
The Kisrp initiative will intervene in the slums of Awelo (Syaia County), Kibarani Settlement Scheme (Kilifi County) and Mathare (Kajiado County), with activities that include the survey and stacking of land and the redevelopment of the areas with the construction of infrastructure such as roads, rainwater harvesting systems, educational and health facilities.
According to Ambassador Natali, African cities will increasingly be the driving force behind the continent's development: "For this, sustainable and participatory programmes are essential to ensure that urban spaces are properly managed, guaranteeing inclusive infrastructure and services that leave no one behind," he said.
The 'Regeneration of Kenya's Informal Settlements' initiative runs for three years (2025 - 2028), is funded by AICS with EUR 6 million and implemented by the Government of Kenya, the statement explained. The initiative aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of the most vulnerable segments of the population by enhancing connectivity and access to basic services inside and outside informal settlements, while promoting economic development and security.
The proposal incorporates a project and management approach consolidated through more than ten years of the Kenya-Italy Debt Conversion Programme (Kiddp), which represents one of the best practices in cooperation between the two countries as well as one of the development programmes most appreciated by the Kenyan government, the joint note concludes.
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