Kibera is the largest slum in Kenya. It is also one of the largest urban slums on the African continent. Kibera is located in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, overlaying about 2.5 square kilometres. It is extensively recognized as one of the maximum densely populated regions in Nairobi. It is also a place where many human beings endure challenging circumstances, dealing with confined spaces and a shortage of basic facilities. The poor infrastructure makes living more challenging. The complex dynamics of Kibera spotlight the wider issues of urban poverty and the need for sustainable development strategies in casual settlement
The roots of Kibera’s history can be traced back to the colonial rule of the British. The area was initially designated as a forest reserve. People were drawn to Nairobi in search of employment and gradually got settled there. During the 20th century, Kibera emerged as a settlement. During World War I and II, more people moved to Nairobi for jobs resulting in the further expansion of Kibera. The lack of proper planning and housing policies made Kibera grow even more, surrounded by formal structures as Nairobi developed. After Kenya gained independence, challenges like land ownership problems, political issues, and economic struggles affected Kibera’s development. The government didn’t do enough to improve living conditions in the slums. These factors together led Kibera to one of Kenya‘s largest and most densely populated slums.
Kibera boasts a mix of people from diverse backgrounds and various places in Kenya, forming a culturally rich community. It hosts different ethnic groups such as Luo, Kikuyu, and Luhya. However, residing in Kibera consists of different challenges. Overcrowding is a significant issue in Kibera. Housing is often cramped and constructed with makeshift materials, lacking proper infrastructure. Many homes are small and closely packed, contributing to overcrowding. The living spaces often lack ventilation and proper lighting, creating difficult conditions for the residents. Sanitation is another pressing issue in Kibera. The settlement lacks proper waste disposal, and many people use communal pit latrines, which can be unhealthy. Access to clean water is also a problem. Sometimes, residents have to travel far to get water, and the available sources might not be very clean, leading to sickness. The lack of education opportunities is another factor that keeps dragging the slum downwards.
In Kibera, economic activities play a crucial role in sustaining the community. Many residents engage in small businesses and informal settlements as a way to make a living. This includes small ventures in streets to alcohol smuggling. In the midst of significant obstacles like limited job options and unclear financial futures, the residents of Kibera demonstrate impressive resilience and determination in forging paths to success for themselves and their loved ones. Individuals like tailors, hair stylists, and food sellers contribute significantly to Kibera’s economic well-being by offering necessary products and services to locals. The informal neighbourhoods within Kibera serve as dual-purpose areas, serving as both homes and places of work. Through their abilities and talents, locals craft handmade items for sale, displaying ingenuity and resilience in the face of financial struggles. Although barriers remain, initiatives by NGOs and community groups seek to improve economic prospects through training programs and employment opportunities, demonstrating that positive change and sustainable development are possible results in the Kibera economy.
The government is actively engaged in addressing the challenges faced by Kibera. However, the effectiveness of government measures remains a matter of debate. Various efforts have been made in areas such as infrastructure, health, education and sanitation. Regarding infrastructure, there have been projects aimed at increasing roads and accessibility in Kibera. But growth rates are often lower than the rapidly growing population. Some residents still lack basic needs such as electricity and adequate housing at all times. Health infrastructure has increased slightly, with hospitals and new healthcare facilities. However, demand often exceeds available resources, creating areas that are overcrowded and underserved by critical medical services. Authorities have also taken steps to improve educational opportunities in Kibera. This includes initiatives focused on improving school systems and increasing access to quality education. Despite all these efforts, issues such as overcrowded classrooms and the need for new schools remain. Sanitation remains another major concern, and the government has launched programs to tackle waste and increase access to safe water. Challenges such as corruption, inefficiency of staff and limited resources create barriers to the successful implementation of programmes.
Kibera’s complex dynamics depict broader problems, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable development techniques in casual settlements. In the face of adversity, Kibera serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing want for concerted efforts and holistic approaches to cope with urban poverty and inequality. By fostering collaboration between governmental organizations and nearby groups, there’s the capacity to transform Kibera right into a thriving and sustainable urban environment in which all citizens can lead dignified lives with access to basic services and opportunities for development.
References:
- About Kibera. (n.d.). KIBERA TOURS. Retrieved February 25, 2024, from https://kiberatours.com/about-kibera/
- Bloxham, L. (2020, November 26). Kibera: a look inside Africa’s largest slum. Concern Worldwide. Retrieved February 25, 2024, from https://www.concern.org.uk/news/kibera-look-inside-africas-largest-slum
- Poverty and Inequality in the Kibera Slum. (2022, August 13). The Borgen Project. Retrieved February 25, 2024, from https://borgenproject.org/kibera-slum/
- Thoma, M. (2012, June 19). Economist’s View: Kenya’s Kibera Slum. Economist’s View. Retrieved February 25, 2024, from https://economistsview.typepad.com/economistsview/2012/06/kenyas-kibera-slum.html
- Torres, J. (2023, December 28). Visiting the Kibera slums in Kenya. Against the Compass. Retrieved February 25, 2024, from https://againstthecompass.com/en/kibera-slums-visiting/
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