Is the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Project (KISIP) on the verge of collapsing due to mismanagement and swindling of funds?
This was the question on the minds of a majority of Kaptembwo slum dwellers on Friday after the people they saw as heavenly sent to make their living conditions better took to the streets demanding for two months payment and a change in the management of those in charge of the project.
Waving placards and chanting slogans, the youths who were recruited to help facilitate the NYS Kisip project accused authorities facilitating the project of harassment, favouritism and abuse of authority.
Residents who have worked in similar projects in the area noted that the continuous use of ‘the usual suspects’ as managers and bosses project after project was the reason behind the suffering.
“It’s barely two months since our youth were deployed here, now look at the situation. Why is the government always entrusting the wrong people to deal with youth’s projects every time?” wondered James Mwaniki, who was let down seven years ago after working in the Kazi kwa Vijana project.
He accused the government of using individuals who have questionable reputation and are always in for personal gains other than serving the people diligently.
Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arachi who spoke to the more than 100 demonstrating youth promised to forward their grievances to the relevant authorities in due time.
“If at all the money has been released and has not reached the people on the ground, this is criminal and all responsible officers must be punished. We will get to the bottom of this,” he noted.
The project, which was launched by the governor himself, was destined at improving the livelihoods of people residing in informal settlements.