Several youth drawn from the 6 sub counties in Uasin Gishu are undertaking training for research on slum prevention and upgrading.
The youths are from Kapseret (Langas), Kesses (Chabaiywo), Turbo (Turbo township), Moiben- (Ngomongo), Soy (Moisbridge) and Ainabkoi from Burnt Forest.
As Eldoret has recently been designated a city, the urgency to prevent the emergence of new slums and improve existing ones is paramount.
Under the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Programme, GEODEV consultants are carrying forth the research with an aim of developing effective strategies for slum prevention and upgrading, focusing on enhancing living conditions through better water and sanitation services.
While officially opening the training session for the youth, Director Housing Beatrice Menjo noted that the research was very important as it will provide insights to prevent the emergence of new slums as city residents try to find cheap residential houses.
She noted the existence of such other existing slums like Langas that need interventions to prevent its expansion.
She said that, “This exercise is very critical because it will also assist the government in assessing current conditions and proposing strategies to contain and improve existing slums. Livability of our residents is key. Its important to also evaluate the need for water and sanitation services and other essential infrastructure improvements.”
“The youth undertaking the data collection will visit homes and residents in the aforementioned settlements with questionnaires targeting residents of existing slums, local businesses, and community leaders,” Menjo added.
Loice Loo, the team leader from Geodev said that the research will play a pivotal role in guiding policy decisions and interventions aimed at creating a more sustainable urban environment in Eldoret and Uasin Gishu County.
