Kisumu/HANDOUT
The government of Kisumu has received a major financial
boost to support its ambitious lakefront redevelopment plan after securing a
Sh97.5 million grant from the African Development Bank.
The grant, channelled through AfDB’s Urban and Municipal
Development Fund programme, will finance a comprehensive feasibility study
aimed at transforming the city’s lakefront into a climate-resilient, inclusive
urban space.
Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, who hosted an AfDB delegation in
Kisumu on Wednesday, described the funding as a significant milestone in the
city’s push to reorient itself towards Lake Victoria.
“We have made significant strides in our journey to
transform Kisumu and realise our vision of making our city to face the lake.
This feasibility study will allow us to conduct in-depth technical, financial,
and environmental assessments of key projects, generating a pipeline of
bankable initiatives aligned with our development and climate goals,” he said.
The county government has already completed the Kisumu City
profiling and prioritisation stages and has now entered the feasibility phase,
which is considered pivotal for attracting long-term infrastructure
investments.
The upcoming study will anchor proposed lakefront projects
within Kisumu’s Local Physical and Land Use Development Plan, County Integrated
Development Plan, and broader national Public Financial Management systems.
Once complete, the feasibility report is expected to unlock
further funding opportunities from multilateral lenders and development
partners, positioning Kisumu as a model for climate-smart urban renewal in the
region.
The African Development Bank delegation was led by senior urban
development officer, Babati Mokgethi, who reaffirmed the institution’s commitment
to supporting secondary cities like Kisumu with practical, sustainable urban
planning tools.
“We are pleased to support Kisumu in identifying viable
projects that will not only improve urban resilience and service delivery but
also attract further public and private investment,” Mokgethi said.
The feasibility study will be critical in ensuring that the
proposed projects are technically sound, environmentally sustainable, and
financially feasible.
The Kisumu Lakefront Development Corporation, which is a
county government vehicle charged with the responsibility of developing the
lakefront, is fronting several projects to revitalise Kisumu's waterfront area,
aiming to transform it into a vibrant hub for tourism, trade, and economic
activity.
Key initiatives include the development of a 46km promenade,
public beaches, parks, and an aquapark to enhance public access and enjoyment
of the waterfront.
The KLDC also plans to develop maritime infrastructure, such
as a marina and waterbus station, to support tourism and local industries like
fish processing and boat construction.
