SOCIO AND HEALTHY DYNAMICS OF INFORMAL SETTLEMENT IN NAIROBI:

A CASE STUDY OF KIBERA

BY

KENNEDY WAKOBA NANDOKHA

BA/2000/15

SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE

FINAL YEAR RESEARCH PROJECT OF THE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN

SOCIOLOGY.

December 2018
 DECLARATION

I do hereby declare that this research paper I am presenting is my original work and has not been
submitted for a degree to any other university.

Name: Kennedy Wakoba Nandokha

Student ID/Number: BA/2000/15 Signature ………………….. Date ………………………..

SUPERVISOR DECLARATION

I hereby declare that I supervised the above student in compiling this research report and that it is

his/her original work carried out during the course …………………………………

Supervisor: Mr. Moses Mutua

Signature……………………..… Date………………………

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First, I would like to thank the Almighty God for His unfailingI am forever grateful to the
Almighty God for the opportunity to conduct and complete this task in sound health.

I am highly indebted to my supervisor, Mr. Moses Mutua. It is through his encouragement and
insightful guidance that I have been able to make each step a learning success. In addition, my
supervisor took time to understand my work, provided direction and clarified areas with
inconsistency. I am indeed honoured to have had him throughout this learning process.

To the respondents, Kibera residents, experts in the field of Sociology among many others.
Thank you for creating time in your busy schedule that enabled discussions with you.

Finally to my dear family, wife Lydia, Brothers Moses and James. Special thanks for your
patience, love and support throughout this process.

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 DEDICATION

This project paper is dedicated to my dearest wife Lydia Majuma for her unwavering support,
encouragement and belief in my endeavour.

My brothers Moses Lukhanyu, James Musoba for financial support in the facilitation towards
completion of this research work.

My classmates for the group discussions, academic meetings, fun and tough moments we shared
together that eventually formed strong bond of friendship.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iii
DEDICATION iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS v
LISTS OF TABLES AND FIGURES vi
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS vii
DEFINITION OF TERMS viii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ix
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………………………1-4
1.1 Statement of the problem..................................................................................................5
1.2 Study Objectives...............................................................................................................6
1.3 Research Questions...........................................................................................................6
1.4 Justification of the study...................................................................................................6
1.5 Significance of the study...................................................................................................7
1.6 Scope of the study.............................................................................................................8
1.7 Limitation of the study......................................................................................................8
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0. Introduction...........................................................................................................................9
2.1.The History of Kibera informal settlement ……………………………………………….9
2.2 Emperical Literature............................................................................................................10
2.3. Conclusion..........................................................................................................................18
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction..........................................................................................................................19
3.1 Research design....................................................................................................................19
3.2 The study area and population.............................................................................................20
3.3 Data collection procedure....................................................................................................20
3.4 Sampling techniques............................................................................................................21
 3.5 Sample size..........................................................................................................................21
3.6 Data analysis........................................................................................................................21
3.7 Ethical issues........................................................................................................................21
3.8 Study limitation....................................................................................................................22
References ………………………………………………………………………………...23-24

Appendix 1: Letter of Introduction................................................................................................

Appendix 2: Questionnaire............................................................................................................

LISTS OF TABLE AND FIGURES

TABLES
FIGURES

GRAPH

MAP
Map 1.0: A map of 14 Sub villages in Kibera informal settlements.

PICTURES
Picture 1: A view of a crowded Kibera slum

Picture 2: Showing waster disposal in Kibera slum

Picture 3: Heaps of garbage within residential area in Kibera Slum

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LIST OF ABBREVIATION AND ACRONYMS

KENSUP: Kenya Slum Upgrading Programme
NGO: Non-Governmental Organizations

CBO: Community Based Organizations

SDGs: Sustainable Development Goals.

UN-Habitat: United Nations Habitat or settlement

WHO: World Health Organization

ARVs: Anti-Retroviral

AIDS: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus

NHC: National Housing Corporation

GoK Government of Kenya

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OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

Kibra: means the jungle infested with wild animals in the Nubian language.

Kibera: The biggest, largest and poorest slum in Kenya and African continent
Slum: An area marked by poverty and inferior living conditions

Flying Toilet: Human waste in plastic bags rather than use of pit latrines

Sewage: Waste materials/ matter carried away in sewer or drain

Garbage: Waste materials

Residents: People who live in a particular place for a prolonged period

Villages: Settlement of people smaller than a town

Poverty: State of having little or no money and few or no material possession

Unemployment: A state of not having a job

Criminal activities: Act punishable by law usually considered as evil

Amenities: those things that make life / individuals comfortable

Security: State of being free from danger or injury

Congestion: Overcrowded area

Pollution: undesirable state of environment being contaminated with harmful substances

because of human activities

Income per capita: Total national income divided by the number of people in the nation

(Kibera settlement)

Deplorable: Bad state of affairs

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Kibera informal settlements in Nairobi is one among many other settlements in Kenya that
presents numerous challenges to the various government institutions as well as the Non-
Governmental Organizations. Complexities surrounding this settlement have made it difficult for
the residents to feel as second class citizens of this country Kenya. As a matter of reality, Kibera
residents struggle so hard to access some of the essential services which range from: - improved
water supply, improved sanitation, electricity, garbage collection, security, good housing,
unemployment, improved health services, education, access roads and transport.

The rural –urban migration as a factor has contributed immensely to the increase in population in
Kibera informal settlement further worsening the situation. It is therefore the responsibility of the
government to respond to the essential needs of its people by working with the resident
communities in a view to make life bearable, conducive and humane environment free from
threats for survival.

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The study objectives:
The main objective of this study was to investigate and bring to the public the presenting
challenges affecting the people living in informal settlements particularly Kibera slum which is
at the center of my study area. The objectives s for this research would provide a framework for
various agencies intervention mechanisms based on documented facts and evidence. The study
objectives include:-
i. To analyse demographic characteristics of the Kibera residents.

ii. To identify the contributing factors to the living conditions of Kibera residents

iii. To find out the challenges, experiences and coping strategies adopted by the Kibera

residents.

Methods:
For the sake of data collection, the researcher strictly targeted residents of the fourteen sub-
villages forming the larger Kibera informal settlement. Data collection tools included
administering of questionnaires, group as well as one on one interviews with responds and
observation checklist for the researcher.

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 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Kenya is facing an increasing growth of informal settlements in her urban centres. As rapid

urbanization takes its toll, so has the development and growth of slums. More than 34% of

Kenya’s total population lives in urban areas and of this, more than 71% is confined in informal

settlements. This number will continue to increase unless a serious and concerted action by all

relevant stakeholders is undertaken.

Kenya’s annual informal settlements growth rate of 5%, is the highest in the world and it is likely

to double in the next 30 years if positive intervention measures are not put in place.

Kibera, the infamous slum in Nairobi – Kenya’s capital, is viewed as “the biggest, largest and

poorest slum in Africa”. After the First World War, the British government allowed the Nubians

to settle in a forest at the edge of Nairobi, as a reward for their service. However, after Kenya’s

independence, the government claimed this land as its own. Nubians continued to build and

spread urbanization in Kibera, welcoming new comers from all over the country. Nowadays,

Kibera is surrounded by the richest areas of Nairobi and it is close to the Industrial Area. These

two areas provide job opportunities that attract rural Kenyans.

The land was surveyed in 1917 and formally gazetted in 1918. The beneficiaries immediately

named the area ‘Kibra’ meaning the jungle infested with wild animals in the Nubian language, as

it was part of the larger Nairobi National Park.

From 1950s, when the government committed to developing the neighbourhood, pursued a series

of redevelopment schemes. For example in the 1970s, the Nubians’ houses had to be demolished

1
to pave way for the development of quality housing by the National Housing Corporation,

exemplified by Olympic, Nyayo Highrise, Otiende and Ngei Estates among others. Since then,

Kibera is no longer the Nubian territory it was before the 1930s. The Nubian community initiated

a vibrant culture, including language, food, dress, dance and artefacts, which have stood the test

of time while self-employment at their village level provided essential retail goods and services.

As occasioned by its proximity to the city centre, industrial area and its location along Lang’ata

and Ngong roads, Kibera has witnessed population influx alongside increased economic

activities, consequently leading to overcrowding and overstretched infrastructural services. Due

to constrained employment opportunities, significant percentage of residents has turned to petty

trade located along the railway line and roadsides as sources of livelihood.

Kibera, which measures approximately 225 hectares, is situated on the outskirts of Nairobi at

latitude -1.3167 and 36.7833 longitudes. Its boundary to the north is the present Ngong Road,

Lang’ata Road to the south, Kenyatta National Hospital to the east and Jamhuri Park to the west.

It has an estimated population of over half a million people with a resultant density of 2,222

people per hectare of which approximately 95 percent of households live below the poverty line

Kibera neighbourhood is distinctly divided into two parts; the upper area which is the original

Nubian settlement of Makina and the lower area that has been densely settled during the last two

decades and include the villages of Lindi, Kisumu Ndogo, Soweto East, Soweto West, Makina,

Kianda, Kambi Muru, Mashimoni, Gatwekera, Silanga, Laini Saba and the newly founded Raila

Village as shown by the map below.

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Figure 1.0: A map showing 14 Sub villages of Kibera informal settlements

Picture 1: A view of a crowded Kibera slum

3
Picture 2 :Showing waste disposal in Kibera slum

Picture 3: Showing a Heap of garbage within residential area in Kibera Slum

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Kibera hosts a number of numerous ethnic groups that conflicts one another throughout its

century-long history. Initially, the Kikuyu tribe dominated Kibera slums population. However,

over the years, the Luo tribe has grown and become dominant. Today, Kibera's residents

represent all the major Kenyan ethnic backgrounds, with some areas being specifically

dominated by peoples of one ethno-linguistic group. Based on Umande Trust Report of 2007, the

ethnic representation is as the percentages below:-

• Luo 30%

• Kikuyu 20%

• Kamba 19%

• Luhya 14%

• Kalenjin 6%

• Others 11%

1.1 Statement of the problem

The lack of recognition of slums and settlements as residential areas denies residents a range of

essential services provided by the government to other residents of the city. These informal

settlements are characterised by extreme poverty and lack of access to clean water and sanitation

facilities such as toilets. Other problems include insecure tenure, lack of good and adequate

housing, poor environmental conditions such as heaps of garbage, poor lighting systems and high

crime rates, prostitutions, substance abuse, unemployment, inaccessibility to improved health

services, education, poor roads and transport networks including lack of recreational facilities

just to mention but a few.

5
As a matter of urgency, this study intends to investigate the underlying factors that have

contributed to the strenuous living conditions in Kibera slum. It will then ascertain the

demographic and ethnic distribution, identify the sub villages within Kibera informal settlement

with the need to addressing existing problems and emerging ones in order to embrace a

cosmopolitan society that is proud of being Kenyan and not enduring the suffering. As such, this

would help understand the dynamics of socio-political as well as economic challenges

experienced by residents in this locality.

1.2 Objectives
The study objectives will include:

i. To analyse demographic characteristics of the Kibera residents.

ii. To identify the contributing factors to the living conditions of Kibera residents

iii. To find out the challenges, experiences and coping strategies adopted by the Kibera

residents.

1.3 Research questions

i. What are the demographics characteristics of the Kibera residents?

ii. What factors contribute to the tough living conditions of Kibera residents?

iii. What are the challenges, experiences and coping strategies adopted by the Kibera

residents?

1.4 Justification of Study

Kenya’s population is rapidly growing contributing to the spread of informal settlements such as

Kibera. Rural-Urban migration in search of employment, good education, better housing and

access to social amenities make some of the major reasons as to why this informal settlement

continue to experience overstretched available resources.

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Housing problem remains a great challenge for the government and development agencies to

tackle. According to the 2003 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, only 65 per cent of

Nairobi’s households have access to a consistent source of water, 66.5 per cent have access to

waterborne sewerage, while only 2.9 per cent are reached by municipal refuse collection.

The elites, who have acquired good education and miserably cannot find jobs, only add up to the

index of growing slum residents since this is the only locality that they can afford due to harsh

economic realities.

The study findings could be used in finding sustainable avenues of eradicating poverty and bring

control to the sprouting slums. Further, the findings would particularly be useful in reference by

informing design and implementation of any future initiatives that are both sustainable and

responsive to local needs.

In addition, the findings could add on to the information available on best practices that

individuals should adopt in overcoming life struggles in informal settlements.

It is important to combine efforts from all relevant agencies to realize these Sustainable

Development goals as envisioned in the Vision 2030 as a strong pillar to socio-economic growth.

1.5 Significance of the study

The study’s findings are to provide the real life situation based on factual evident to help other

researchers, NGOs, CBOs and Government agencies in coming up with sustainable solutions to

combat the myriad challenges identified so as to make life bearable.

7
1.6 Scope of the study
The study aims at understanding how the spread and growth of Kibera slum has continued to

pose social-political as well as economic instability among residents to the extent of attracting

international attention. The site of the study will be Kibera under its sub villages of Makina,

Kianda, Kambi Muru, Mashimoni, Gatwekera, Silanga, Laini Saba and the newly founded Raila

Village.

The study will involve slum residents in the named sub villages, both men and women, youth

and elderly, employed and unemployed, across ethnic backgrounds and religious affiliations.

1.7 Limitations of the study

Multiple risks are evident to both residents and visitors touring Kibera slums. Its unique sub-

division of villages only help to worsen the situation due to ethnic diversity present, a sensitive

issue that has been subject to many political controversies. As such, access to true and reliable

information from respondents was a challenge due to hostile reception at times. The researcher

sort the company of local administration officers who act as a link to the communities to

facilitate progress in this investigation in addition to relying on probing questions to ensure

reliability and accuracy of information obtained.

In some areas, respondents needed translation of questions into local dialect for them to answer

correctly hence proofed costly. On the other hand, due to the expansiveness of Kibera informal

settlement; the researcher ensured that the sample size guaranteed ease of work and was

representative of the entire population despite poor road network.

8
 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction.
This chapter focuses on literature review based on the objectives of the study. It begins by giving

a brief background of Kibera slum and further discusses common socio vices that thrive in this

settlement and how such evil damage the image of residents through blanket condemnation,

challenges the residents face day to day and finally use the identified data in suggesting ways of

alternative ways of overcoming identified hardships in chapters five under conclusion and

recommendation.

Despite these daily hardships, slums are also places of community and vibrant economic and

entrepreneurial activity. They are vibrant places where the mixing of different cultures often

produces new forms of artistic expression. These unhealthy, crowded environments can also sow

the seeds of new cultural movements and levels of solidarity unknown among the middle and

upper classes. However, these few positive attributes do not in any way justify the continued

existence of slums and should not be an excuse for the slow progress towards the goal of

adequate shelter for all.

1.1 Brief History of Kibera slum

Kibera has the uncertain distinction of being one of the largest informal settlements in Africa.

Kenya’s history of colonialism played a major role of ensuring both spatial and income

segregation thus the development of slums such as Kibera. Kibera originated as a settlement in

the forests outside Nairobi, when Nubian soldiers returning from service in the First World War

were awarded plots there in return for their efforts.

9
The British colonial government of the time allowed the settlement to grow informally, primarily

because of the Nubians' status as former servants of the British crown, which put the colonial

regime in their debt. Over time, other tribes moved into the area to rent land from the Nubian

landlords.

The Government owns all the land. 10% of people are shack owners and many of these people

own many other shacks and let them out to tenants. The remaining 90% of residents are tenants

with no rights. (Mulcahy and Chu, 2009).

2.2 Empirical Literature Review

According to Kombo and Tromp (2006) literature review is an account of what has been

published on a topic of accredited scholars and researchers. It involves examining documents,

such as books, magazines, journals, and dissertations that have a bearing on the study being

conducted.

Slums are a manifestation of rapid urbanisation and the urbanisation of poverty. They have the

highest concentration of poor people and the worst shelter and physical environment conditions

characterised by squalor. UN-HABITAT defines slums as settlements that:

• Lack basic services;

• Have substandard housing or illegal and inadequate building structures;

• Are overcrowded and densely populated;

• Have unhealthy living conditions and hazardous locations;

• Have insecure tenure; irregular or informal settlements; and

• Are characterised by poverty and social exclusion (UN-HABITAT, 2003)

10
Rapid urbanization and urban growth have placed immense pressure on the resources of national

and local governments. Few have been able to meet the increasing need for planned and

affordable housing and services either through direct provision or incentives to private sector.

The result is that millions of people around the world have found their own solution in various

types of slums and unauthorised or informal settlements (Payne, Majale, 2004; Momanyi, 2002;

and Syaggah, Mitullah, and Gitau, 2002).

Slums are often the first stopping point for rural-to-urban migrants because they provide

affordable housing that enables the new migrants to save enough money for their eventual

absorption into urban society. Slums also keep the wheels of many cities turning. The majority of

slum dwellers earn their living in informal - but crucial - activities and therefore provide services

that may not be so easily available through the formal sector. It is unthinkable to imagine Nairobi

without hawkers, domestic workers or roadside mechanics. Many cities and industries would

simply come to a halt without the labour provided by slum dwellers.

UN-Habitat estimates the total population at between 350,000 to one million. International

Housing Coalition estimates the population to more than half a million people, while experts on

urban slums give an estimate of more than 800,000 people. Government statistics on the total

population of Kibera slums is around 200,000 people (KNBS, 2010).

With the dawn of independence in 1963, a number of forms of housing were made illegal by the

Kenyan government. The new ruling affected Kibera on the basis of land tenure, rendering it an

unauthorized settlement. Despite this, people continued to live there, and by the early 1970s

landlords were renting out their properties in Kibera to significantly greater numbers of tenants

than were permitted by law. (Nabutola 2004)

11
Adequate infrastructure and services is a prerequisite in enhancing livelihoods and sustainable

development. The living condition in Kibera presents high development densities, poor

sanitation and water quality and low access to basic social services. Further, residents lack legal

rights like security of tenure on land which should enhance investment in basic services. The

housing construction is largely semi-permanent. The average size of shack in this area is 12ft x

12ft built with mud walls, a corrugated tin roof with a dirt or concrete floor. The cost is about

KES 700 per Month (£6). These shacks often house up to 8 or more with many sleeping on the

floor.

The recent unveiling of plans by the government to improve housing conditions in Kibera slum

has sent waves of jubilation among inhabitants as this presents hope to improved access to basic

services, employment and other income generating opportunities.

There exists poor Roads and Electricity. Inaccessibility is created by an organic urban pattern

with narrow, uneven roads and footpaths that are prohibitive to vehicles. This makes policing

rather difficult. Police do not go into the slum where no street lighting exists, thus crime remains

significant especially after dark. Several sources indicate that it is extremely unsafe to be on the

streets after dark for residents and non-residents alike.

Only about 20% of Kibera has electricity. UN-Habitat is in the process of providing it to some

parts of Kibera – this will include street lighting, security lighting and connection to shacks (this

costs KES 900 per shack, which in most cases is not affordable). There are no adaptive public

roads within Kibera. Considering that most businesses are located along pathways, there is a lot

of congestion making vehicle manoeuvring difficult. However, Kibera is surrounded by major

roads that feed the wealthy neighbourhoods such as Lang’ata, Woodley, Jamhuri and Karen.

12
There is no power supply in the interior parts of Kibera and most of the residents use kerosene

lamps and charcoal for domestic lighting and cooking. The poor state and/or lack of the above

stated infrastructure have negatively impacted on the socio-economic welfare of the residents.

(Mulcahy and Chu, 2009; COHRE, 2004; Syagga et al, 2001).

Most slum dwellers have three main concerns with water: access, cost and quality. They

complain about the limited access to water points, which are often located far from their houses,

some landlords ration water such that it is only available on specific days of the week and at

specific times (Water Sanitation Program, 2007). This is a limitation especially for people who

have children and would require high amounts of water. However, for those who have access

they decry the high cost of buying water in the informal settlements. This is costly especially

relative to the slum residents’ income levels.

Some Kibera slum dwellers use sewerage water for bathing and washing. They also use

borehole, rainwater, and sometimes draw water from broken pipes. This water is highly

contaminated and filthy especially when plastic pipes burst and can potentially cause contagious

diseases. For many years, Kibera slum has not had clean water points as most collected water

comes from Nairobi dam. The Kenyan government in 2007 admitted that sustainable access to

water dropped to as low as 20 per cent in the settlements of the urban poor where half of the

urban population lives. This is a tragic situation given that Kenya falls far below the estimated

defined minimum water per capita requirement (Water Sanitation Program, 2008)

Water and Sanitation remain a major healthy and social crisis. Until recently Kibera had no water

and it had to be collected from the Nairobi dam. The dam water is not clean and causes typhoid

and cholera.

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Now there are two mains water pipes into Kibera, one from the municipal council and one from

the World Bank. Communal water taps rented from City Council of Nairobi by private vendors

are common source of domestic water. During the rainy season, water costs are reduced because

inhabitants’ tap water from their roofs, otherwise the price of water is four times the cost at

which the council sells to the vendors. (Lee-Smith and Lamba, 1998). (Water Sanitation

Program, 2007).

Congestion in Kibera hampers efforts of constructing communal toilets consequently leading to

an acute shortage of toilets in the neighbourhood. This as a result has escalated the prevalence of

flying toilets as referred to by residents. Sewer and Solid Waste Disposal is a real menace in

Kibera. There are no sewage disposal services in Kibera. The detached pit latrines serving

between 30 - 500 people are the predominant mode of waste disposal. The large number of users

to a single pit latrine hampers regular clean ups of the latrines which consequently are a horror.

Once full, young boys are employed to empty the latrine and they take the contents to the river.

UN-Habitat and a few other agencies are trying to help and improve this situation but it is

painfully slow.

Kibera is heavily polluted by human refuse, garbage, soot, dust, and other wastes. The slum is

contaminated with human and animal faeces and all sorts of wastes which are worsened by open

sewages and lack of drainage systems.

(Hardoy, Mitlin & Satterthwaite, 2003; Hodson & Marvin, 2009).

Poverty, lack of improved sanitation combined with poor nutrition among residents’ accounts for

many illnesses and diseases in slums (Heynen, Kaika & Swyngedouw, 2006; Kumar, Shigeo &

Harada, 2003). With few toilets and pit latrines, there has also been a continued growth of

“flying toilets”. The reality behind these flying toilets is the inaccessibility of toilet facilities

14
especially during late hours due to uneven distribution and lack of convenience resulting to

insecurity. Most toilets and pit latrines are owned and managed by community groups and also

individual businessmen who charge Ksh. 5 per person per every visit.

There is also no organised mode of solid waste collection and disposal in the neighbourhood and

the refuse is often thrown outside the dwelling units into the natural drainage system, making the

neighbourhood a niche for environmental diseases. (UN-Habitat, 2006).

Over the years, Kibera slums has been isolated by the Nairobi City Council. There are no

garbage collection systems in the slums. Due to this neglect, solid wastes have grown into

mountains of heaps over the years with most of it being washed into water channels during the

rainy season further contaminating underground water. Tons of solid wastes are generated every

month in Kibera slums. There are no solid waste dumping sites and no recycling plants.

Uncollected solid waste is one of Kibera's most visible environmental problems (Umande Trust,

2007). (UN-Habitat, 2006).

Concerning Education and Healthcare Services, there are various pre-units, nursery and primary

schools within walking distance in the neighbourhood as well as private clinics and over-the-

counter drug purchase points. Such clinics are only first-aid providers and residents have to walk

for about half hour for proper medical attention either at the Kenyatta National Hospital,

Lang’ata Health Centre or Mbagathi District hospital. In Kibera there are no government clinics

or hospitals. The providers are the charitable organisations: AMREF, MSF, churches plus some

others. They do a great job. All people are encouraged to have a free HIV test and if positive to

take free generic ARV medicine. (UN-Habitat, 2008).

15
Poverty, lack of improved sanitation combined with poor nutrition among residents’ accounts for

many illnesses and diseases in slums (Heynen, Kaika & Swyngedouw, 2006; Kumar, Shigeo &

Harada, 2003).

Together with this is the lack of enough schools and educational centres and a huge deficiency of

other urban infrastructure (Guy, Marvin & Moss, 2001).

About social facilities, there exists a number grocery vending shops which are at a walking

distance of less than a minute from the housing units. The markets within the neighbourhood

consist of temporary shacks with goods laid out and packed up every day and are situated along

the railway line, pathways and the famous Toy market which is a 30 minutes’ walk from the

villages. Woodley Social Hall is the only recreational and community facility within a walking

distance to the neighbourhood. The open spaces that could have been developed for recreational

use within the neighbourhood are either swampy, irregularly allocated to private developers or

are used as dumping grounds. As such, the scenario has hampered the development of social

facilities in the neighbourhood alike. (Field and Kremer, 2006).

“The incidence of crime, robbery and gang violence, as well as gender based domestic violence

in informal settlements; undermine both macro and micro economic growth and productivity of a

country’s development, as well as social and individual well-being” (Dr. Anna K. Tibaijuka, The

Executive Director, UN Habitat 2007)

Due to many men still not using condoms and the availability of ‘Chang’aa’, many girls become

pregnant, at any one time about 50% of 16 to 25 year old girls are pregnant. Most of these

pregnancies are unwanted, resulting in many cases of abortion. This can be very dangerous,

particularly in such a poor area as Kibera. (WHO 2002; WHO 2003).

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Employment/underemployment stands as a big challenge. Approximately 49 percent of adults in

slums have regular or casual jobs; 19 percent work in a household micro-enterprise; at least 26

percent are unemployed. Unemployment rates are highest among youth (age 15-24) at 46 % and

women at 49%. (Ministry Of Housing, 2013).

Another feature in Kibera is the inaccessibility created by an organic urban pattern with narrow,

uneven roads and footpaths that are prohibitive to vehicles. This makes policing rather difficult.

Police do not go into the slum where no street lighting exists, thus crime remains significant

especially after dark. Several sources indicate that it is extremely unsafe to be on the streets after

dark for residents and non-residents alike.

(Mulcahy and Chu, 2009; COHRE, 2004; Syagga et al, 2001).

The social composition within Kibera is already changing with the knowledge of pending

redevelopment. Some structure owners were said to have increased their rents, others were

reportedly evicting tenants and bringing in family members to benefit from the development.

These evictions will have displaced the most vulnerable, and the trend is likely to increase.

Vulnerability to eviction is compounded by the insecurity of the informal rental agreements

under which households occupy the individual rooms (COHRE, 2004).

17
 2.3 Conclusion 

The outcome of this research shows the mega problems Kibera dwellers in Nairobi face. Results

showed a serious shortage of social amenities with especially an acute deficit in clean water

supply, improved sanitation, and solid waste management. Notably, water is more expensive

since Nairobi City Council has not yet provided piped water, leaving water vendors as the sole

suppliers of clean water. Lack of enough toilets poses other serious challenges like contagious

diseases. In addition, very little solid waste is collected by NGOs leaving thousands of tons of

garbage scattered everywhere. These shortages of public services remain a serious challenge to

especially social and environmental hygiene.

Data and evidence provided in this research is useful to policymakers and other stakeholders to
formulate workable policies that will be used to tackle the ever increasing social and
environmental challenges and hopefully help end the routinized processes of exclusion,
exploitation and discrimination of slums residents

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 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

This chapter describes the methods that the researcher is going to employ while carrying out the
study. The process will involve the following aspects; research design, the study area and
population, methods of data collection, sample size, data analysis, and ethical issues involved in
the study.

3.1 Research design

This study would use the descriptive design, pointing at a qualitative approach. It’s aimed at

understanding the social, environmental and health problems as experienced by residents of

Kibera slum. Interviews will be conducted using self-administered questionnaire alongside

researcher’s observational checklist.

The interviews questions will comprise of a combination of open and closed ended questions that

will focus on specific understanding of the research population bearing in mind the research

questions and area of study. Due to the descriptive nature of this study, the collection of

information will adopt primary data from the respondents. The samples from across section of all

the sub villages within Kibera slum. A manageable sample from the population will be used to

represent the view of the residents.

The slums is divided into 14 Sub villages with varying populations – Kianda, Olympic, Soweto

West, Gatwekera, Raila, Karanja, Kisumu Ndogo, Makina, Kambi Muru, Mashimoni, Lindi,

Laini Saba, Silanga and Soweto East.

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The target sample size to be used is 8 persons in each of the sub village of the larger Kibera for

an in-depth analysis of each question asked.

Observation method would utilized to assess the level of confidence especially in completing the

questionnaire.

3.2 The study area and population

This study is in Kibera informal settlement, Langata district in Nairobi County. It is one of the

most densely populated, low-income, informal urban settlements in Kenya. It is estimated that

more than 800, 000 people (of whom half are under the age of 15) live in the area encompassing

roughly four square kilometres on the edge of downtown Nairobi.

Residents suffer from a host of challenges. They live under mass poverty leading to a collection

of sustainability challenges. Access to clean water, improved sanitation, good housing, solid

waste management, proper health care, security and energy are some of the most fundamental

challenges they face.

3.3 Data collection procedure

Questionnaires comprising of open and closed ended questions, interview methods would help in
the data collection exercise in this research. Additionally, an observational checklist by the
researcher will also help in collecting and recording of the needed information missed out in the
questionnaire. On the other hand, the respondents will be required to answer the administered
questionnaires with some clarification where need be from the respondents to help them not to
misinterpret the questions.

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The researcher chose this method because Questionnaires are easy to administer and they help in
standardising the responses. The questionnaires have been designed to draw out socio-
demographic information, challenges the slum residents face and coping strategies adopted by
residents.

3.4 Sampling techniques

Random sampling technique will be used in collecting the study data.8 persons from each of the

14 sub-village will be randomly sampled based on aspects such as age group, sex, religion,

ethnic group.

3.5 Sample size

The 14 Sub-villages will each have 8 members representing a total of 112 members as sample
size (8*14) =112.

3.6 Data analysis

The unit of analysis for this study were the individual Kibera residents whom the researcher will

use as a sample. Quantitative and Qualitative data from questionnaires will be entered using

Microsoft Excel. The data will then be sorted and analysed based on the study objectives.

Descriptive statistics such as percentages will as well be used. The outcomes of this study will be

presented in charts and tables for in-depth interpretation and understanding.

3.7 Ethical issues

The study will factor in ethical considerations by preserving the identity of the respondents by
ensuring confidentiality and also make sure that the information collected only serve research
and educational purposes. The researcher will request the consent of the respondents who on

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agreeing will have to sign the consent participation form before the exercise is rolled out to
ensure respondent protection and integrity is upheld.

3.8 Study limitation

Due to the expansiveness of this informal settlement and its complexities in design, the
researcher encountered connectivity struggles from one sub-village to the other considering poor
feeder road network and security related concerns. Time factor also was a constraint.

22
References.

Mulcahy, M. and Chu, M. (2009). Kibera Soweto East: A Case Study in Slum Upgrading.
Available at
http://www.design.upenn.edu/new/cplan/02b_KiberaMulcahy.pdfKiberasowetoeastslu
mupgrading. Accessed on 26.05.2011.

Kombo and Tromp, 2006

Syagga Paul, Winnie Mitullah and Sarah Gitau-Karirah, (2002) ‘Nairobi Situation Analysis
Supplementary Study: A Rapid Economic Appraisal of Rents in Slums and Informal
Settlements’. Nairobi: Government of Kenya and UN-Habitat.

Kenya National Bureau of Statistics Report, 2010

Nabutola, W. (2004) Affordable Housing in Kenya: A Case Study of Policy on Informal

Settlements. A paper presented during the 3rd FIG Regional Conference in Jakarta, Indonesia on
October 3rd -7th 2004. Available at www.fig.net/pub/cairo/papers/ts_19/ts19_02_nabutola.pdf.
Accessed on 6.07.2011

Mulcahy and Chu, 2009; Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions (COHRE), May (2008),
Women, Slums and Urbanisation: Examining the Causes and Consequences, p.108. COHRE,
2004; Syagga et al, 2001.

Water Sanitation Program, 2007/2008.

Lee-Smith and Lamba, 1998.

Hardoy, Mitlin & Satterthwaite, 2003; Hodson & Marvin, 2009.

Heynen, Kaika & Swyngedouw, 2006; Kumar, Shigeo & Harada, 2003

UN-Habitat, 2003, 2006 and 2008 Report on the Nairobi Urban Sector Profile, Nairobi.

Emmanuel MUTISYA and Masaru YARIME, International Transaction Journal of Engineering,

Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies, Volume 2, No.2 (2011); pages 197–213

Umande Trust, 2007. The Right to Water and Sanitation in Kibera in Nairobi, Kenya

Guy S, Marvin S, Moss T. (2001). Urban Infrastructure in Transition. Earthscan: London

Field, E. and Kremer, M. (2006). Impact Evaluation for Slum Upgrading Interventions
Harvard: Harvard University Press.

Dr. Anna K. Tibaijuka, The Executive Director, UN Habitat 2007.

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World Health Organization 2002; 2003 Report.

Ministry Of Housing, 2013.

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 APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Letter of Introduction

Dear Respondent,

I am an undergraduate student at Moi University, in the department of Sociology and

Psychology. As a requirement to fulfil the completion of my course work for my degree studies,
I would like to undertake a research study on the topic: Social Health Dynamics of informal
settlement: A case study of Kibera.
I have attached a questionnaire to help me collect information needed for the study. It is my kind
request to you that you fill the questionnaire in a hohest way. Please use the spaces provided to
fill in the information required as objectively as possible. The information provided will be
treated with strict confidentiality for the purpose of this study only.Please, Dont indicate your
name.

Thank you in advance.

Appendix 2: Research Questionnaire

QUESTIONNAIRE
This questionnaire is designed to gather honest responses from the residents in regard to
the topic: Social and health dynamics as experienced by residents of Kibera informal
settlement. This is specifically for research purposes. Do not indicate your name. Please
answer each question correctly as it applies to you.

1. Please indicate which of the following age group you belong to?

[ ] 18-29 years

[ ] 30-40years

[ ] 41-50years

[ ] 51-60years

[ ] Above 60years

2. Gender identity [ ] Male [ ] Female

3. Are you employed? [ ] Yes [ ] No

4. What is your marital status?

[ ] Married [ ] Divorced [ ] Separated [ ] Single [ ] Widow

5. Please indicate your income earnings per month?

[ ] Below Ksh 10,000

[ ] Ksh. 11,000-20,000

[ ] Ksh. 21, 000-30,000

[ ] Ksh. 31,000-40,000

[ ] Ksh. 41, 000-Above

6. Please indicate your highest level of education?

[ ] Masters Level

[ ] Degree level

[ ] Diploma level

[ ] Certificate

[ ] Form Four level

[ ] Class 8 and below

7. What challenges do you experience that you wish get addressed by relevant agencies of the
government?

a. ……………………………………………………..
b. ……………………………………………………..
c. ……………………………………………………..
d. ……………………………………………………..
e. ……………………………………………………..
f. ……………………………………………………..

8. List some of the factors contributing to the harsh living conditions amongst you as residents?

a. ……………………………………………………..
b. ……………………………………………………..
c. ……………………………………………………..
d. ……………………………………………………..
e. ……………………………………………………..
f. ……………………………………………………...

9. List some of the ways you have adopted to deal with the challenges in Q. 8 above.

a. ……………………………………………………………………
b. …………………………………………………………………….
c. …………………………………………………………………….
d. ……………………………………………………………………..
e. ……………………………………………………………………..
f. ……………………………………………………………………..
10. List some of the most common health complications / diseases reported in this informal
settlement?

a. ……………………………………………………………….
b. ……………………………………………………………….
c. ……………………………………………………………….
d. ……………………………………………………………….
e. ……………………………………………………………….
f. ……………………………………………………………….

11. Indicate the number of members in your household?

[ ]

[ ]

[ ]

12. Indicate how many meals you can afford in a day?

[ ] Breakfast

[ ] Lunch

[ ] Supper

13. Please indicate how sewage is disposed off in your area of residence?

[ ] Properly

[ ] Carelessly

14. Please indicate how accessible to you are the following social amenities?

(Rating scale: 1-Very accessible 2-Accessible 3-Less accessible 4-Not accessible

5-Not sure)

Very Accessible Less Not Not

accessible Accessible accessible Sure

1 2 3 4 5

1 Health services
2 Clean water

3 Police station

4 Good roads

5 Learning institution

6 Sanitation

7 Food

8 Housing

9 Lighting system

10 Employment

15. Please indicate the extent to which you agree with the following statements as they relate to
security satisfaction?

Strongly Disagree Strongly Agree Not

Disagree Agree Sure

1 2 3 4 5

1 Am satisfied with the security of

where I stay

2 My property in the house is safe

even when not present

3 Am safe walking in the evening and

at night

4 The residence has street lighting

5 Police patrol and police station

nearby