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KUSP Background

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.

FAQ

 Purpose

An FAQ is important for the Kenya Urban Support Program (KUSP) because it provides a simple, consistent way for municipalities, communities, stakeholders, and the public to understand the programme

“KUSP FAQs: Making Urban Development Information Simple, Accessible and Understandable.”

Why an FAQ is important for KUSP

1.Creates public awareness

Explains what KUSP is, its objectives, beneficiaries, and areas of implementation in simple language.

2.Provides consistent information

Ensures government officials, municipalities, communication teams, and the public receive the same key messages about KUSP.

3.Simplifies complex programme information

KUSP involves technical areas such as urban infrastructure, municipal services, institutional strengthening, land, and financing. FAQs translate these issues into easy-to-understand questions and answers.

4.Improves stakeholder engagement

Gives communities and stakeholders quick answers to common questions, supporting informed participation in KUSP activities.

5.Supports transparency and accountability

Clarifies what the programme does, who is responsible, how activities are implemented, and where stakeholders can seek further information.

6.Strengthens KUSP visibility

An FAQ can be shared through the KUSP website, social media, workshops, municipal sensitization meetings, brochures and media engagements.

7.Reduces misinformation and confusion

Clear, approved answers help address misconceptions and ensure that accurate programme information reaches the public.

8.Supports county and municipal communication officers

It gives communication teams a ready reference when responding to questions from residents, media, municipal officials and other stakeholders.

Communication value

For KUSP, the FAQ can become a practical public-facing communication tool that connects the programme’s technical work with the people it is intended to serve.

 KUSP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

1.What is KUSP II?

The Second Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP II) is a Government of Kenya programme supported by the World Bank to strengthen urban institutions and improve urban infrastructure, services, planning and resilience across Kenya.

KUSP II builds on the achievements and lessons of the first Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP I), while placing greater emphasis on climate resilience, inclusive urban development, private-sector engagement and refugee-host community integration.

2.What is the main objective of KUSP II?

The Programme Development Objective is to strengthen the capacity of urban institutions to:

– Improve the delivery and resilience of urban infrastructure and services;

– Enhance private-sector engagement in urban planning; and

– Support the transition of refugee camps into integrated host community and refugee settlements.

3.Who implements KUSP II?

KUSP II is a Government of Kenya programme implemented through national and county-level institutions, with support from the World Bank and other partners. The programme works closely with counties, municipalities, urban institutions and relevant stakeholders.

4.Which areas does KUSP II cover?

KUSP II supports urban development across 45 counties and selected municipalities, including refugee-hosting urban areas. Official programme documents describe support to urban institutions through infrastructure, capacity building, planning and other interventions.

5.Which municipalities benefit from KUSP II?

The programme supports 79 municipalities across 45 counties that meet the applicable programme requirements

6.What types of projects does KUSP II support?

Depending on the applicable programme component and municipal priorities, KUSP II supports urban infrastructure and services such as:

– Roads and non-motorised transport facilities;

– Storm-water drainage;

– Markets and bus parks;

– Street lighting;

– Solid waste management;

– Public spaces and green spaces;

– Climate-resilient urban infrastructure and services.

The specific projects supported vary according to municipal priorities, plans, eligibility and programme requirements.

7.How does KUSP II improve service delivery?

KUSP II strengthens municipalities and other urban institutions by supporting institutional capacity, planning, financing, human-resource systems, citizen participation and improved management of urban services.

The objective is to enable urban institutions to plan, implement and manage development more effectively and sustainably.

8.Does KUSP II only provide infrastructure?

No. Infrastructure is an important part of the programme, but KUSP II also focuses on institutional strengthening, urban planning, climate resilience, private-sector engagement, capacity building and inclusive development.

9.How does KUSP II promote climate resilience?

KUSP II promotes climate-responsive urban planning and infrastructure. This includes strengthening urban institutions’ ability to identify climate risks and incorporate resilience considerations into planning and infrastructure investments.

10.How does KUSP II involve citizens?

Citizen participation is an important part of strengthening urban governance. Communities and other stakeholders can participate through consultations, public participation processes, community meetings, feedback mechanisms and other engagement platforms established by the relevant county or municipality.

11.How does KUSPII support the private sector?

KUSP II seeks to enhance private-sector participation in urban planning and development. This can include creating opportunities for investment, partnerships, innovation and improved delivery of urban services.

12.What is the refugee-host community component?

KUSP II includes a window for host and refugee communities. It supports the transition of refugee-hosting areas towards more integrated urban settlements, while improving access to infrastructure, services and economic opportunities for both refugee and host populations.

13.Which refugee-hosting areas are covered?

KUSP II specifically addresses the urban development needs of Dadaab and Kakuma-Kalobeyei, with the aim of supporting more integrated settlements and strengthening urban institutions in these areas.

14.What does “integrated settlement” mean?

An integrated settlement approach seeks to move beyond isolated refugee-camp arrangements towards urban settlements where refugees and host communities can access infrastructure, services, economic opportunities and urban institutions within an integrated planning framework.

15.How does KUSP II benefit ordinary urban residents?

Residents may benefit through improved urban infrastructure and services, better planning, safer and more resilient public spaces, improved mobility, stronger municipal institutions and increased opportunities for economic activity.

16.Will every resident receive money from KUSP II?

No. KUSP II is not a direct cash-transfer programme. Its support is primarily channelled through urban institutions and investments in infrastructure, services, capacity development and related programme activities.

17.How are projects identified?

Projects are identified through applicable county and municipal planning processes, urban priorities, programme requirements and consultations with relevant stakeholders. Projects must meet the applicable technical, environmental, social, fiduciary and programme requirements.

18.How does KUSP II promote accountability?

KUSP II operates within Government of Kenya systems and applicable World Bank requirements. It promotes transparency, accountability, citizen participation and proper management of programme resources.

19.What should a resident do if they have a complaint or concern?

Residents should use the established grievance and feedback mechanisms at the relevant county, municipality or KUSP II programme level. Complaints should be submitted through the designated channels so that they can be recorded, assessed and addressed.

For KUSP II enquiries or complaints, the State Department for Housing and Urban Development lists kusp2@housingandurban.go.ke and +254-020-2713833.

20.What is the difference between KUSP I and KUSP II?

KUSP I focused on strengthening urban management institutions, financing priority infrastructure and improving urban service delivery.

KUSP II builds on this foundation while expanding the focus to include climate resilience, integrated urban planning, private-sector engagement and the integration of refugee and host communities.

21.How can communities participate in KUSP II?

Communities can participate by:

– Attending public participation and sensitization meetings;

– Providing views on proposed projects and plans;

– Giving feedback on service delivery;

– Reporting concerns through established grievance mechanisms;

– Participating in community engagement activities; and

– Supporting the sustainability and proper use of completed infrastructure.

22.How can I get information about KUSP II  activities in my municipality?

Residents can obtain information through their county government, municipality, relevant urban institution and KUSP II communication channels. The official KUSP II website also publishes programme news, reports and updates.

23.Where can I find more information about KUSP II?

More information, programme updates and reports are available through the official KUSP II website and the State Department for Housing and Urban Development.

Official KUSP II website: kusp.go.ke

24.What is the overall vision of KUSP II?

KUSP II seeks to contribute to sustainable, inclusive and resilient urban development in Kenya by strengthening urban institutions, improving infrastructure and services, supporting economic opportunities and promoting better integration of communities.