Kibera, Nairobi (Shanty Town Management)

Introduction

1⃣ Q: Where is Kibera located?
A: Nairobi, Kenya.

2⃣ Q: How many people are estimated to live in Kibera?
A: Estimates range from 250,000 to 300,000, with some sources suggesting up to 500,000.

3⃣ Q: What is the approximate size of Kibera?
A: 2.5 square kilometers.

4⃣ Q: What is Kibera's population density?
A: Approximately 100,000 people per square kilometer.

Causes of Growth

5⃣ Q: What is the main driver of population growth in Kibera?
A: Rural-urban migration driven by poverty in rural areas.

6⃣ Q: What is the urbanization rate in Nairobi?
A: 4.2% per year, one of the fastest in Africa.

7⃣ Q: Why is there a lack of affordable housing in Nairobi?
A: Rising rental prices far exceed the incomes of many rural migrants.

8⃣ Q: What percentage of Nairobi's population lives in informal settlements?
A: Approximately 60%.

9⃣ Q: Why is there government neglect in Kibera?
A: Kibera is considered illegal occupation of land, which restricts government investment in infrastructure.

Characteristics of Kibera

🔟 Q: What are houses in Kibera typically made of?
A: Mud-walled with corrugated iron roofs.

1⃣1⃣ Q: What is the average size of a dwelling in Kibera?
A: About 10 square meters.

1⃣2⃣ Q: What percentage of Kibera has access to electricity?
A: Only about 20%.

1⃣3⃣ Q: How do residents access clean water in Kibera?
A: Through standpipes managed by vendors, often sold at high prices.

1⃣4⃣ Q: What is the sanitation situation in Kibera?
A: One toilet per 1,000 residents, leading to poor hygiene and health risks.

1⃣5⃣ Q: What health challenges are common in Kibera?
A: Cholera, typhoid, tuberculosis, and high rates of HIV/AIDS (15% of the population).

1⃣6⃣ Q: What is the state of education in Kibera?
A: Schools are overcrowded and under-resourced, with many children not attending.

Challenges Faced

1⃣7⃣ Q: What are the main challenges Kibera faces?
A: Overcrowding, poor sanitation, lack of infrastructure, and crime.

1⃣8⃣ Q: What makes transportation and emergency response difficult in Kibera?
A: Most roads are unpaved and narrow.

1⃣9⃣ Q: How does poor sanitation affect water supplies in Kibera?
A: Open defecation and sewage trenches contaminate water sources.

2⃣0⃣ Q: What kind of crime is prevalent in Kibera?
A: Theft, gang violence, and sexual violence, particularly against women.

Management Strategies

2⃣1⃣ Q: What government program was introduced to upgrade Kibera?
A: The Kenya Slum Upgrading Programme (KENSUP), launched in 2004 with UN-Habitat.

2⃣2⃣ Q: What improvements did KENSUP introduce?
A: Permanent housing, sanitation, clean water, and roads.

2⃣3⃣ Q: What are the names of NGOs actively helping in Kibera?
A: Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) and Kibera School for Girls.

2⃣4⃣ Q: What type of sanitation improvements have been made?
A: Installation of community toilets and biogas toilets to manage waste.

2⃣5⃣ Q: What innovative lighting solutions have been introduced?
A: Solar lights have been installed to reduce reliance on kerosene lamps.

2⃣6⃣ Q: What employment programs have been introduced in Kibera?
A: Youth Empowerment Programs providing training in IT skills, carpentry, and electronics.

Evaluation of Success

2⃣7⃣ Q: What improvements have been seen due to water and sanitation projects?
A: Reduced waterborne diseases and improved community hygiene.

2⃣8⃣ Q: What are the main limitations of housing projects in Kibera?
A: Upgraded apartments are too expensive for many residents, forcing some back into slums.

2⃣9⃣ Q: What security measures have helped reduce crime?
A: Street lighting and community policing.

3⃣0⃣ Q: What are the main barriers to sustainable development in Kibera?
A: Land tenure issues and government neglect.

Conclusion

3⃣1⃣ Q: What has been the role of NGOs in Kibera's development?
A: They have provided essential services like clean water, sanitation, and education.

3⃣2⃣ Q: What is required for long-term improvement in Kibera?
A: Government intervention, secure land rights, and inclusive urban planning.

3⃣3⃣ Q: What strategy is crucial for transforming Kibera?
A: Public-private partnerships and stronger urban planning policies.