With the deadline for project delivery looming nearer, the level of enthusiasm was high among the Working Group when they met earlier this month to go over project implementation. The group was established to encourage cross-sector and cross-departmental collaboration for the benefit of holistic, integrated urban development solutions, a cornerstone of the SymbioCity Kenya programme. Planning towns with a holistic and inclusive approach contributes to more relevant and sustainable urban solutions, recognised not least by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11).

The Nakuru Working Group has comprised the likes of Nakuru County officials such as economist Emma Angwenyi, WASH co-ordinator Caroline Vata, and GIS officer Solomon Mbugua; community representative Gilbert Ndung’u; and Njoro Sub-County environmental officer Fredrick Osewe, during the extensive consultative phase of the pilot project. With the time ripe for building physical urban improvements, new members relevant for the implementation phase will be added to the group.

Already a new Pilot Co-ordinator, John Kamau, has been designated, and several procurements such as for borehole drilling and construction of eco-toilets are underway.

During the September meeting Njoro’s Ward Administrator, Elizabeth Wambui, reiterated the importance of focusing on water and drainage issues through the SymbioCity Kenya pilot, with the targeted project area dealing with the challenges of flooding.

Read more about the water challenges facing Jewathu residents in pages 12-15 of the New Urban Magazine (PDF).

Read Njoro town’s Urban Sustainability Review (PDF).

Photo caption: Ward Administrator, Pilot project Operations Manager and Lead Co-ordinator, and SCK’s Urban Development Specialist investigating water challenges of Njoro.