Kisumu has secured a KES97.5 million grant to fast track feasibility study for its city renewal undertaking dubbed, lakefront development programme.

According to the lakeside city authorities, the financing from the African Development Bank (AfDB) will fund a study to "evaluate technical, financial, and environmental aspects of proposed projects, forming a pipeline of bankable, climate-resilient urban initiatives."

Kisumu's lakefront development programme is modelled to align with the county's Local Physical and Land Use Plan, County Integrated Development Plan, and national PFM frameworks.

“We have made significant strides in our journey to transform Kisumu and realize our vision of making our city face the lake. This feasibility study will allow us to conduct in-depth technical, financial, and environmental assessments of key projects, generating a pipeline of bankable initiatives aligned with our development and climate goals,” explained Kisumu Governor, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o when he met a team from the AfDB led by Senior Urban Development Officer Babati Mokgethi at his office.

The financing from the African Development Bank (AfDB) will be offered through the Pan-African lender's Urban and Municipal Development Fund, an update from the bank states.

Prof. Nyong'o noted that his administration has already completed Kisumu City Profiling and Prioritization phase and it’s all systems go for the feasibility phase, which is critical for attracting long-term investments.

He added that the study will anchor proposed lakefront projects within Kisumu’s Local Physical and Land Use Development Plan, County Integrated Development Plan, and broader national Public Financial Management (PFM) systems.

Upon completion, the study is meant to unlock further financing opportunities from multilateral lenders and development partners, positioning the lakeside city as a model for climate-smart urban renewal in the region.

“We are pleased to support Kisumu in identifying viable projects that will not only improve urban resilience and service delivery but also attract further public and private investment,” said Mokgethi.

Mokgethi said the feasibility study will be critical in ensuring that the proposed projects are technically sound, environmentally sustainable, and financially feasible.

The Kisumu Lakefront Development Corporation (KLDC), which is a county government vehicle charged with the responsibility of developing the lakefront, aims to turn the city into a vibrant hub for tourism, and trade.

This initiative has lined up a number of key projects including the design and development of public beaches, aquapark, a 46-km promenade, marina, waterbus stations and a range of blue economy infrastructure such as a boat manufacturing plant.

The grant to Kisumu City comes just days after the AfDB rolled out a $139 million loan to the City of Johannesburg, marking the first time the Bank has offered financing without a sovereign guarantee to a subnational government in Africa.

AfDB said the loan to the City of Johannesburg is set to finance projects that offer direct and tangible impact on the daily lives of residents by among others strengthening basic services and expanding economic opportunities. 

"Residents can expect fewer power outages, improved water supply, more efficient waste collection, and increased industrial productivity, all of which contribute to broader economic growth," the AfDB explained in an update.

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