Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya. The name is derived from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nairobi, which translates to ‘place of cool waters’ There are approximately 2.5 million slum dwellers in about 110 settlements in Nairobi representing 60% of the Nairobi population and occupying just 6% of the land.
Living in a slum is the reality for between 900 million and 1.6 billion people across the globe – amounting to about a quarter of the world’s urban population – and 60 per cent of Nairobi’s population live in informal settlements.
We work in over 7 major slums in Nairobi County, in partnership with communities, churches and local organisations.
Situated on the outskirts of Nairobi is the largest informal settlement (slum) in Africa: Kibera. Home to approximately 250,000 people across an area of just 2.5 kilometers, Kibera is a vibrant but densely populated place.
A slum consists of individuals living under the same roof in an urban area who lack one or more of the following: durable housing (a permanent structure providing protection from weather); sufficient living area (no more than three people sharing a room); access to available, sufficient and affordable water; access to a private or public toilet shared with a reasonable number of people; and protection against forced eviction.
(UN-HABITAT, 2006/7)
Korogocho and Kariobangi, neighboring informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya, grapple with pervasive challenges associated with urban poverty. Characterized by makeshift housing, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to basic services, residents face daily struggles for survival. Poverty is entrenched, educational opportunities are often scarce, and healthcare remains a challenge. The lack of proper sanitation and crowded living conditions contribute to health risks, while crime rates are elevated due to factors such as unemployment and poverty. Despite ongoing efforts by local and international organizations, as well as the Kenyan government, to address these issues, the formidable scale of the challenges in these slums underscores the complex nature of improving living conditions and opportunities for their residents.
Remarkably, the population of Mathare slums alone is approximately 180,000 people. It is characterized by densely packed makeshift structures, often constructed from salvaged materials, reflecting the challenging living conditions that residents endure. The high population density exacerbates issues related to inadequate infrastructure, limited access to basic services, and widespread poverty. Despite the formidable challenges, the resilient community in Mathare has seen the implementation of various initiatives by local and international organizations, as well as government efforts, aimed at addressing the complex web of issues plaguing the residents and striving for sustainable improvements in their living conditions.
Download the Urban Impact Kenya app today and explore our programs. Our app provides easy access to all of the ways that we are working to elevate the lives of the less fortunate in Kenya. Don’t wait, download the app now and be a part of the those that cause positive impact to others.
Download the Urban Impact Kenya app today and explore our programs. Our app provides easy access to all of the ways that we are working to elevate the lives of the less fortunate in Kenya. Don’t wait, download the app now and be a part of the those that cause positive impact to others.
You cannot copy content of this page, its protected
