Building Resilient Communities: Gitambaya Launches 10-Year Community Development Plan.
Residents of Gitambaya in Kiambu County are set to benefit from a raft of Community Development Projects following a successful launch of the Gitambaya Community Development Plan. The plan was developed by Pamoja trust, as the KISIP 2 consultant, and is a Ten (10) year strategic roadmap for addressing the pressing needs and aspirations of the community. Developed through an inclusive and participatory process, the CDP reflects the collective voice of residents and proposes practical, actionable solutions to the challenges they face in the settlement.
Falling under Component 2 of KISIP 2, which focuses on socio-economic inclusion, the CDPs are funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Kiambu County Government with support from Pamoja Trust and other technical partners.
“Our role as consultants has been to facilitate the co-designing of these projects with the communities.
The inclusivity shown here ensures that what is built will serve the real needs of the people.”Veronica Koech
Senior Program Officer, Pamoja Trust.
Under the Second Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Program (KISIP 2), a CDP is defined as a tool for identifying and prioritizing needs in informal settlements. It focuses on infrastructure upgrading (multi-purpose community centres, access roads, engineered storm water drainage infrastructure), social and behavioural change, social and emotional learning, tenure regularization and enhancement of socio-economic opportunities. The CDP development process places strong emphasis on community engagement, gender inclusion, and alignment with existing local development plans.
The plan focuses on key interventions designed to stimulate socio-economic growth, enhance community safety, improve environmental management, and build resilience against disasters. Among the proposed projects are the construction of a multi-purpose social hall with an ICT centre, wellness hub, and daycare facilities to empower women, youths, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), the establishment of a solid waste recovery centre to promote environmental sustainability and the upgrading of access roads to improve mobility, especially during the rainy season.
Other critical interventions in the plan include the construction of a stormwater drainage system to reduce flooding risks, the installation of floodlights and streetlights to enhance security, and the development of a rehabilitation centre to address issues of drug and substance abuse among the youth. The plan also includes the construction of a public health facility to enhance access to quality, affordable, and universal healthcare, as well as the strengthening of the local police post to improve surveillance and community policing.
“This plan is a direct result of the community’s voice.
It reflects their hopes, and it provides a platform for inclusive development,
where residents are not just beneficiaries but active drivers of their future.”
Ms. Joann Kihori,
Ruiru Municipal Manager.
Economic empowerment initiatives such as the construction of market stalls for small-scale traders, coupled with skills development programs and capacity building on disaster response, sustainable solid waste management, and GBV awareness, further demonstrate the commitment of the Kiambu County Government to foster a resilient and inclusive community. Importantly, training on the operation and maintenance of community infrastructure will also ensure long-term sustainability and community ownership.
The Gitambaya CDP is aligned with the County Integrated Development Plans (CIDP), Vision 2030, national, and global urban development goals, ensuring that the transformation of Gitambaya contributes meaningfully to the broader objectives of poverty reduction, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. By tapping into the energy and leadership of CBOs, the plans aim to empower women and youth, improve service delivery, and create opportunities for entrepreneurship, especially for underserved populations.
The Gitambaya CDP launch brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including the County Project Coordination Team (CPCT), Biashara Ward MCA Hon. Kimani Nduta, the Settlement Executive Committee (SEC), the Grievance Redress Committee (GRC), and resident leaders.
For Pamoja Trust, the Gitambaya CDP stands as a testament to what is possible when communities are given voice and space to shape their own future. They represent more than physical upgrades; they are pathways to resilience, inclusion, and collective empowerment.
