| dc.description.abstract | Presence of slums and squatter settlements in
urban areas has become a characteristic feature of
developing countries. Africa is no exception or
Kenya for that matter. The major causal factors
are among others, rapid rural to urban migration,
urban unemployment and inadequacy of urban services.
The traditional method of slum demolition has
come under criticism .on Economic, Social and Political
grounds. Alternatively, squatter improvement has been
adopted by many national Governments. Yet inspite
of these efforts, living conditions in these settlements
continue to deteriorate and new ones to emerge.
This study on squatter upgrading was undertaken
in recognition of lack of comprehensive approach
to the squatter problem. It adopted a case study
approach and examined Kiandutu squatter settlements
in Thika Town the Industrial town of Kenya.
The intention was to seek a comprehensive
understanding of squatter settlements and their
people. Setting the hypothesis that emergence of
squatter settlement is more than a housing problem
in urban areas, the study has also examined the current
methods of squatter upgrading. | en |
