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About KUSP

KUSP seeks to support the implementation of the Kenya Urban Programme (KenUP), which is the Kenya government’s development strategy emanating from and giving life to the Kenyan National Urban Development Policy (NUDP). Latter was approved by a special cabinet committee in October 2016, and presented to parliamentary and senator committees in February and March 2017.  

KUSP has different targets. First it addresses the basic steps as provided for in KenUP, namely the establishment of urban governance as well as management structures, and secondly providing funding, to and through the county governments, to allow those urban structures to fulfil their mandates. Thirdly, the programme is providing capacity development support to central government, notably the State Department of Housing and Urban Development for it to better assist and support the county governments in addressing urban issues in the spirit of the Constitution of Kenya (2010). Overall, it seeks to emphasise the pivotal role urban areas are supposed to be playing in terms of development, prosperity and modernisation.

KUSP Legal Framework

KUSP II is implemented through institutional arrangements that are consistent with the constitutional and legal structures, systems and processes at the national, county and urban levels. Supports establishment of coordination structures towards achieving Program objectives.

  • Constitution of Kenya (CoK) (2010) which stipulates the autonomy of the county governments and the transferred functions and services as described under the Fourth Schedule;

  • County Governments Act (CGA) (2012 -under section 48 and 49, provide for further decentralization of the functions and provision of services and the structure and functions of the urban areas respectively, as stipulated in the UACA (2011) (revised 2019).

  • Urban Areas and Cities Act 2011 (UACA 2011) (Amended 2019)- describes the classification and establishment of urban areas; their governance and management

  • The Public Finance Management Act (2012)- under sections 169 to 189, serves as a paramount guide for the financial management within urban areas and cities.

  • 1951 Convention relating to status of Refugees and its 1967 protocol- domesticated in the Refugee Act no. 10 of 2021- provides for transition of Refugee Camps into integrated settlements.

  • Constitution of Kenya (CoK) (2010) which stipulates the autonomy of the county governments and the transferred functions and services as described under the Fourth Schedule;

  • County Governments Act (CGA) (2012 -under section 48 and 49, provide for further decentralization of the functions and provision of services and the structure and functions of the urban areas respectively, as stipulated in the UACA (2011) (revised 2019).

  • Urban Areas and Cities Act 2011 (UACA 2011) (Amended 2019)- describes the classification and establishment of urban areas; their governance and management

  • The Public Finance Management Act (2012)- under sections 169 to 189, serves as a paramount guide for the financial management within urban areas and cities.

  • 1951 Convention relating to status of Refugees and its 1967 protocol- domesticated in the Refugee Act no. 10 of 2021- provides for transition of Refugee Camps into integrated settlements.

Achievements and Impact of KUSP I

KUSP I delivered significant milestones, including:

  • The establishment of well-structured urban boards and local governance frameworks across participating municipalities.
  • Funding and implementation of over 300 infrastructure projects, including roads, water systems, and marketplaces, positively impacting millions of urban residents.
  • Training and equipping of over 1,000 municipal staff members with skills and knowledge in urban planning, governance, and service delivery.
    These achievements demonstrated the program’s commitment to addressing Kenya’s urban challenges while setting the stage for further advancements.

Lessons Learned from KUSP I

The implementation of KUSP I provided valuable insights into urban development challenges and opportunities, including:

  • Community Engagement: Involving local communities in planning and decision-making processes ensures project relevance and sustainability.
  • Coordination Challenges: Strengthening collaboration between national and county governments is crucial for effective implementation.
  • Scalability Needs: Programs must be designed with scalability in mind to accommodate future urban growth and emerging challenges.

Transitioning to KUSP II

Building on the foundation laid by KUSP I, the Kenya Urban Support Program Phase II (KUSPII) was initiated to expand the scope and scale of urban development interventions. With a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and technological innovation, KUSPII aims to deepen the impact of its predecessor while addressing emerging urbanization challenges. By integrating advanced tools, data-driven strategies, and a stronger emphasis on community participation, KUSPII seeks to create resilient urban ecosystems that cater to Kenya’s dynamic and diverse population.

National Key Implementation Partners

The program collaborates with several national partners to ensure successful implementation and capacity building at county and municipal levels:

  • Council of Governors (CoG)

    1. Facilitates intergovernmental coordination between national and county governments.
    2. Supports policy advocacy, knowledge management, and capacity building. Co-chairs the Program Steering Committee (PSC) to enhance urban development discussions.

  • The National Treasury (TNT)

    1. Manages financial agreements and World Bank grant disbursements.
    2. Ensures funds are reflected in the national and county budgets.

  • Office of the Controller of Budget

    1. Oversees county fund releases and monitors budget implementation.
    2. Provides financial oversight and ensures compliance with reporting requirements.

  • Office of the Auditor General

    1. Conducts annual audits of program funds (national and county levels).
    2. Ensures financial accountability through program-specific audits.

  • Department of Refugee Services (DRS)

    1. Coordinates refugee-related activities under the program.
    2. Supports integration of refugee camps into urban settlements as per the Shirika Plan.

Strengthening the capacity of urban institutions to deliver resilient infrastructure and inclusive services, fostering sustainable urban development across Kenya.

- Making Kenyan Towns Work...

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