Kisumu Secures Sh97.5 Million AfDB Grant for Lakeside Redevelopment

Kisumu, Kenya – July 17:

Kisumu County has been awarded a Sh97.5 million grant from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to begin the transformation of its Lake Victoria shoreline into a vibrant, inclusive, and climate-resilient urban space.

The grant—channeled through AfDB’s Urban and Municipal Development Fund—will fund a comprehensive feasibility study, covering technical, financial, and environmental evaluations. Proposed initiatives include a 46-kilometer lakeside promenade, public beaches, and green parks, all designed to revitalize the waterfront.

Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, who hosted the visiting AfDB delegation, hailed the funding as a significant step forward. “This study will allow us to generate a pipeline of bankable projects aligned with our development and climate goals,” he said.

County officials emphasized that the feasibility study will play a key role in attracting further investment. AfDB representatives reaffirmed the bank’s support for medium-sized cities seeking sustainable urban development.

If implemented successfully, Kisumu’s lakeside redevelopment could become a regional model for climate-smart urban planning, with potential benefits for tourism, trade, and local livelihoods.