Ugandan MPs Tour Kibra Projects In Benchmarking Exercise In Kenya
On Tuesday, 22 Ugandan Members of Parliament (MPs) toured the Kibra slums as part of a benchmarking exercise for development projects aimed at improving the lives of Kenyan slum dwellers.
The MPs arrived in Kenya on Tuesday at the invitation of a grassroots movement in Kenya’s urban slums that offers services, community advocacy platforms, and education and leadership development for women and girls.
They expressed an interest and willingness to implement similar practices in Uganda, particularly the inclusion of women in project implementation, which ultimately leads to their empowerment.
Today, I welcomed 22 Members of Parliament from Uganda to SHOFCO, where we shared insights into our work transforming communities. When communities see themselves in the vision, real transformation begins. #communityorganizing #communityleddevelopment pic.twitter.com/8daS3VGpZr
— Kennedy Odede (@KennedyOdede) October 29, 2024
Tony Awany, the chair of the Ugandan Parliament Committee on Infrastructure, hailed the infrastructure plan aimed at transforming Kibra into one of the best in Africa.
“One critical thing that we picked from this particular exchange visit is that we have got to know that there is a big infrastructural plan for transforming this slum. The biggest in Africa now,” Awany stated.
He also stated that collaborations between the two countries would be beneficial in changing the lives of slum dwellers in both countries.
Awany expressed willingness to adopt Kenya’s plan to turn Kibra into a Ugandan slum as well.
“We would want to share this vision, and upgrades of infrastructure in Kibra with Uganda.”
Judith Alyek, chair of Uganda’s Parliamentary Committee on Equal Opportunities, said the most important takeaway was the Sacco, which has helped several slum residents change their livelihoods.
“We have seen the Sacco where many members are benefiting from this Sacco and also inviting other people from outside to come and make the Sacco grow,” she stated.
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She was also surprised at how much better the people of Kibra were living. “We could not believe what we have seen today. Sincerely,” added Alyek.
Kibera, Africa’s largest slum, houses over one million Kenyans, a dire situation that has sparked improvement efforts from both private and public donors.
During the tour, the MPs visited a computer lab, a library, an NGO’s water project and the Kibera Girls School.
The visit is the second time Ugandan MPs have visited the country; in April, MPs from the Ugandan Parliament’s Gender, Labour, and Social Development committees visited to learn about slum management.
Ugandan MPs Tour Kibra Projects In Benchmarking Exercise In Kenya
