Saturday, July 19, 2025
Kisumu County of Kenya has picked up a mega KSh97. 5 million) grant from the African Development Bank (AfDB) under its Urban and Municipal Development Fund. The latter amount will be used for a full feasibility study to develop the Lake Victoria waterfront in Kisumu into a climate-resilient, inclusive and economically productive urban area.
Strategic Waterfront Development
Integrated with a 10-year strategic frog-hopping action framework, the master plan will critically examine the technical, financial and ecological dimensions of a mix of proposed projects—build a 46km-long promenade, build large public parks, redevelop beaches and enhance maritime infrastructure. These developments, are among the projects initiated by Kisumu Lakefront Development Corporation, underscoring the counties’ interest in planned and organised urban development.
Climate Resilience and Sustainability of Kenya
One of the key elements of the project is its focus on climate-resistant and sustainable infrastructure, which would mean that future development will be effectively resilient to changes in environment and would foster ecological equilibrium. The full study will adhere to national and global incentives for climate-smart urbanization and establishes Kisumu as a leading model in how to sustainably manage urban waterfronts.
Boosting Tourism and Economic Growth
The goal of the waterfront development is to improve the tourist appeal of Kisumu in a big way. All of these proposed enhancements will enhance the attractiveness and utility of the city, and will further drive tourist traffic, which in turn should benefit local businesses and lead to many jobs. The project resonates well with the wider Kisumu Strategic and Vision Agenda of promoting economic investments and sustainable urban development in the long-term.
Enhancing Public Accessibility and Inclusion
Another part of that is that the development must be publicly accessible to the waterline. Garden parks, promenades and beaches will be inclusive public spaces which are accessible for all sections of the community, to encourage greater social cohesion and community participation in urban living. Such inclusive planning ensures that development dividends are equitably distributed across the diverse population of Kisumu.
Unlocking Further Investments in Kenya
Kisumu County government sources hope that the completion of the feasibility study will bring more investment and funding, both local and international, into the city. By proving the economic and environmental sustainability of such climate-smart projects, the goal is the infusion of more resources, unleashing widespread urban regeneration and continued development.
A Model for Sustainable Urban Development in Kenya
This bold initiative makes Kisumu County a potential demonstration site for sustainable urban waterfront development, not only for other urban areas around Lake Victoria, but also beyond. We make a pointer to what we believe is a happy union of economic growth, climate resilience, inclusivity and sustainability, therefore our exposition as a city would be premised on this unique model of urban planning and we hope you will find our showcase of how visionary urban planning can turn cities into vibrant and prosperous spaces.
