Relocation Action Planning in Slum Upgrading: The Case of Kibera's Soweto-East Informal Settlement In Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Many inhabitants of the slums and informal settlements in developing countries lack access to adequate and affordable housing and basic housing services. Poor access to affordable and adequate housing constraints economic and social development of slum dwellers and contributes to poverty in such areas. Better housing services can stimulate economic activities and social improvements of slum dwellers, leading to a virtuous circle that reduces poverty while improving the lives and livelihoods of the urban poor. Improving the urban Poor’s access to essential housing services requires participatory approaches in slum upgrading that involves all the stakeholders at all levels of the project cycle. Kibera is arguably one of the largest slums in Africa. It is located southwest of Nairobi city centre and is sited approximately 5 km away from the city centre. It is the largest slum in Kenya and comprises of 12 villages; Kianda, Soweto, Gatwekera, Kisumu Ndogo, Lindi, Laini Saba, Siranga/Undugu, Raila, Makina and Mashimoni. It has an estimated population of 500,000 people covering approximately 225 hectares of land. This translates to a density of about 2000 people per hectare. It holds more than a quarter of Nairobi’s population.