The Impact of Environmental Security on Sustainable Livelihoods in Informal Urban Settlements in Kenya: Case Study of Mukuru Slum in Nairobi County, Kenya.

Abstract

Environmental security is among pertinent issues of human security. It plays a significant role in as far as sustainable livelihoods in informal urban settlements is concerned. In some of the developing states in the global south, significant milestones have been made in environmental protection boosting security. However in Sub-Saharan Africa, environmental insecurity in informal urban settlements remain a major problem that require urgent attention for the region to experience sustainable development. In Mukuru Slum, Nairobi, environmental insecurity concerns are characterized with flooding risks during short and long rains, drought and water scarcity, air and water pollution, poorly handled waste, clogged sewer lines and drainages. The research was guided by the quest to address these issues hence questions; to what extent does environmental security affect sustainable livelihoods in Kenya’s informal urban settlements? What is the role of national institutions and policies in the provision of environmental security for sustainable livelihoods in informal urban settlements in Kenya? What is the government’s response to effects of environmental security issues on sustainable livelihoods in Mukuru slum, in Nairobi? All these informed the general and specific objectives of the study. The researcher used Sustainable Livelihood Approach and Environmental Scarcity Theory whose tenets guided the study to the end. Qualitative Research Method was used with case study design. The researcher employed purposive sampling in identifying and selecting the respondents whereby semi-structured interview guides were used to collect data. The findings established as hypothesized, environmental security has an influence on sustainable livelihoods, it recommends integrated strategies by the government and all the relevant stakeholders in the area to minimize environmental hazards hindering sustainable livelihoods in slums across Kenya.