Officers from the State Department of Housing and Urban Development (SDHUD) on Monday conducted a familiarisation and sensitisation visit to Eldoret City to assess its preparedness ahead of the Annual Performance Assessment II (APA II) under the Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP) Phase II. The assessment is set to begin on 23rd February 2026.
The SDHUD team comprised Mr. John Ndiritu, Technical Advisor; Ms. Mercy Kirima, Environment Expert; and Ms. Miriam Kahinya, Physical Planner. During the visit, the team engaged the County Project Coordination Team (CPCT) and relevant city staff responsible for APA II preparations, with a focus on compliance with the Urban Investment Grant (UIG) Minimum Conditions (MCs) and the Urban Development Grant (UDG) Performance Standards (PSs).
Mr. Ndiritu emphasized that the Minimum Conditions are mandatory and must be fully met for a city to qualify for funding, warning that failure to comply would result in disqualification.
He explained that while the MCs determine eligibility, the Performance Standards influence the level of additional funding allocated based on performance.
He noted that urban areas face multiple development challenges and that the KUSP programme is designed to address critical sectors that directly improve the quality of life for urban residents.
Referring to the assessment scorecard, he observed that the conditions are attainable and encouraged the city to aim for maximum scores to access full funding.
Mr. Ndiritu further urged the city to strictly adhere to existing laws, regulations, official manuals, templates, and guidance notes when preparing assessment documentation, stressing that compliance directly affects resource allocation.
“I urge the city, under the leadership of the City Manager, to strictly adhere to these conditions, as failure to meet them may lead to disqualification,” he said.
Eldoret City successfully met the World Bank conditions under APA I, receiving Ksh 465 million. The upcoming APA II will determine the next allocation, with the city targeting up to KES 1 billion to support continued urban development initiatives.
Mr. Edward Sawe, County Executive Committee Member for Lands and Urban Development, reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to the APA II process and assured the assessment team of the full support of Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii’s administration. He emphasized that no lapses would be allowed that could jeopardize funding.
“We will work together as a team to ensure these conditions are met. The beneficiaries will be residents of the City of Eldoret and the entire Uasin Gishu County,” he stated.
Chief Officer Mary Kerich echoed the CECM’s remarks, underscoring the County Government’s strong commitment to the APA II process. She noted that key areas highlighted by the assessment team—particularly the role of the Executive in achieving a 100 per cent score—would be addressed promptly.
City Manager Ms. Elzeba Busienei acknowledged the guidance provided on the Minimum Conditions and Performance Standards and reassured stakeholders that Eldoret City, under her leadership, will work diligently to ensure full compliance and maximize the benefits of the programme.
“As the City of Eldoret, we cannot afford to lose funding due to non-compliance. We must ensure all requirements are met, as we have many activities to implement across the city,” she said.
Ms Elzeba further reported that the City of Eldoret has achieved significant milestones in seeking collaboration to complete the construction of the 64 stadium.
Other City officials Present included Deputy Directors Mr. Francis Chirchir (Administration), Ms. Leah Birgen (Corporate), Assistant Directors Mr Peter Too (Roads), Mr. Swaleh Kassim (Corporate), Mr. Emmanuel Biwott (Communication), Mr. Cyprian Chesire (Planning), CPA Isabela Ayabei (Audit), Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Jackson Limo, among others.
