User-based Project Design Considerations and Implementation of Slum Upgrading Programs in Kenya: a Case of Kibera Slum Under Un-habitat

Abstract

As the composition of urban dwellers has changed in recent years, so too have informal neighborhoods. Low wages and an inadequate housing system led to the emergence of these informal settlements, often referred to as slums. The Kenya Slum Rehabilitating Programme was launched in the year 2000 by the government of Kenya in an attempt to enhance the number as well as the quality of houses that are within reasonable price ranges for workers earning low wages by modernizing slum areas. The purpose of this research was to analyze a case study conducted by UN-HABITAT on slum upgrading projects in Kenya and to determine the effect that user-centered project design had on how well those projects were carried out. The goals of this research were assessing the impact of capacity building on the implementation of slum upgrading programs in Kenya; examine the role that monitoring and evaluation play in shaping these initiatives; examine the impact that stakeholder engagement has on these initiatives; and assess the impact that funding availability has on these initiatives. The study was directed by Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory, stakeholder theory, and Arnstein's participatory theory. The study's participants consisted of those who benefit from the Project as well as government and community leaders. The sample size was calculated to be 368 individuals. For this investigation, stratified random sampling was employed. The study's tools were semi-structured questionnaire and an interviewing script. Only primary data collected via the use of a questionnaire was used by the researcher. Quantitative information was gathered via the use of closed-ended questions and then analyzed and categorized. Additionally, the data was coded by assigning figures, symbols, signs, and numbers. To analyze the data, the study utilized SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Descriptive statistics, such as mean and standard deviation, was calculated from the provided data and shown in frequency, percentages, and graphs. Thematic analysis was used to do the evaluation of the qualitative data. In order to establish how the dependent variables, relate to the independent variables, the researcher utilized inferential statistics such as regression analysis, correlation analysis, and ANOVA. The study found that user-based project design considerations influence implementation of slum upgrading programs in Nairobi Kenya. In addition, capacity building influences on implementation of slum upgrading programs at moderate extent with a composite mean score of 3.75. Monitoring and evaluation influence implementation of slum upgrading programs at moderate extent with a composite mean of 3.37. The participation of stakeholders and the availability of funds are factors that impact the execution of slum improvement initiatives to a modest amount with a composite mean score of 3.46. Availability of funds influence implementation of slum upgrading programs at moderate extent with a composite mean of 3.59. The outcomes of the study indicate that user-based project design considerations have a statistically significant influence on the implementation of slum development programs. According to the findings of the research, the slum upgrading programs trust, the government, and donor organizations should take a timelier approach to financing in order to enhance program execution and expedite the process of bringing it to a timely conclusion. Effective land use planning that includes slum dwellers and urban sprawl policies that meet the social, economic, and cultural requirements of those living in slums are necessary to curb the growth of slums. Planning should engage slum residents.