Residents of Ruturo Informal Settlement in Kiambu Municipality have made significant progress in securing their land rights, following their inclusion in Phase Two of the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Programme (KISIP 2).
On Thursday, community members convened to elect leaders for the Settlement Executive Committee (SEC) and the Grievance Redress Committee (GRC), pivotal structures designed to oversee the tenure regularization process. The SEC will coordinate community activities, act as a bridge between residents and project implementers, and ensure that the programme reflects local needs. The GRC, on the other hand, will handle complaints, resolve disputes, and guarantee transparency and accountability throughout implementation.
“This exercise is more than a formality; it is about empowering residents to take ownership of the process and secure their land rights,” said Ting’ang’a Ward MCA Hon. Laurence Mwaura during the event.
County and national officials actively participated in the proceedings. Area Chief Esther Wambui, Ting’ang’a Ward Administrator, KISIP County Coordinator Mr. Julius Mwololo, and Ms. Lucy Ndeti, who led the National Project Coordination Team (NPCT), were present to guide and monitor the election process. Their involvement aimed to ensure that all steps adhered to KISIP guidelines, reinforcing fairness and community inclusivity.
KISIP 2, a government-led initiative, targets informal settlements nationwide, aiming to improve living conditions, secure land tenure, and provide infrastructure upgrades such as water, sanitation, and roads. By establishing local leadership structures like the SEC and GRC, the programme seeks to involve residents in decision-making and reduce conflicts during implementation.
Residents expressed optimism about the programme’s potential impact. “Having local representatives means our voices will be heard, and issues can be resolved quickly,” said one community member, highlighting the importance of the GRC in protecting residents’ interests.
The successful election at Ruturo signals a critical milestone for KISIP 2 in Kiambu County, as more informal settlements are integrated into the programme. With active participation from both community members and officials, the initiative promises enhanced security of tenure, improved living standards, and a more orderly settlement structure.
“This is a step forward for Ruturo, showing that when residents and government work together, development is possible,” noted Mr. Mwololo, affirming the county’s commitment to transparent and inclusive land regularization.
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