The Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development is implementing the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP II) in selected counties to improve living conditions in informal settlements. The project aims to enhance access to basic services, strengthen land tenure security, and build institutional capacity for slum upgrading.
In Muyeye Informal Settlement (Malindi Municipality, Shella Ward), KISIP II will finance the construction of a boda boda shed under Component 2, which promotes socio-economic inclusion. The facility, to be built on a road reserve outside the Muyeye Health Centre, will prioritize employment opportunities for women and youth, support financial inclusion for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and promote vocational and entrepreneurial initiatives.
The assignment followed a participatory approach, involving county officials, community members, and stakeholders in identifying, co-designing, and prioritizing the investment through the Community Development Plan (2023–2033). Labour-Intensive Community Work (LICW) methods will be applied, with recruitment taking place locally. An Environmental and Social Screening was undertaken in line with KISIP’s Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and World Bank safeguards to identify risks and mitigation measures.
Environmental Screening Findings
- The site lies on a road reserve, requiring strict safety considerations.
- Solid waste management is a challenge, with widespread dumping in open spaces.
- The area is flood-prone; construction must raise foundations above ground level.
- Lack of a sewer system and poor septic management poses risks of groundwater pollution.
- Anticipated risks include noise from vehicles, physical injury during construction, increased solid waste, traffic hazards, and dust emissions.
- The project falls under Category B (World Bank classification), requiring an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) to guide mitigation.
Social Screening Findings
- Potential health and safety risks to workers and community members during construction.
- Labour influx could heighten risks of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
- Unequal distribution of project benefits may arise due to vested interests.
- Risks to children include exposure to dust and chemicals at the site.
- Temporary disruption to health centre operations may occur.
- The project’s location on a road reserve requires authorization from the relevant road agency to avoid future demolition risks.
Data Collection Approach
The screening exercise involved field surveys, site reconnaissance, review of proposed designs and the CDP, and broad stakeholder consultations, including women, youth, vulnerable persons, and community leaders.
The proposed boda boda shed is a low-risk, small-scale project expected to deliver significant socio-economic benefits for the Muyeye settlement, particularly by empowering youth, women, and PWDs. While environmental and social risks exist, they are manageable through mitigation measures detailed in the forthcoming ESMP. Successful implementation will depend on continued stakeholder engagement, careful site management, and strict adherence to safety, social inclusion, and environmental safeguards.