W3-4 Kibera slums

Summary

Kibera, located just outside Nairobi, is Africa's largest urban slum, home to an estimated population of up to 1.2 million people. Originally established by the British during colonial times, it has evolved into a settlement for the impoverished. Residents face extreme poverty, inadequate housing, poor sanitation, and limited access to education, with only 40% of children attending school. Life expectancy is just 30 years due to the spread of infectious diseases. Despite ongoing efforts by the government to clear the slum, the future remains uncertain, highlighting the resilience of its residents amidst severe challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kibera is the largest urban slum in Africa, located about 7 kilometers southwest of Nairobi's city center.
• 😀 The population of Kibera is uncertain, with estimates ranging from 170,000 to 1.2 million people.
• 😀 Kibera was originally created by the British during colonial times to house their offices and the headquarters for the Uganda Railway.
• 😀 Nairobi was initially intended only for Europeans, while non-Europeans were forced to live in native reserves on the city's outskirts.
• 😀 In 1963, Kibera became a settlement for those unable to afford legal housing, drawing many people from rural areas seeking a better life in the city.
• 😀 Kibera is characterized by a diverse mix of ethnic groups, making it one of the most multicultural places in Kenya.
• 😀 The average life expectancy in Kibera is just 30 years due to overcrowding and the rapid spread of infectious diseases.
• 😀 Poor sanitation, such as open sewers and lack of handwashing facilities, worsens health conditions in Kibera.
• 😀 Around 40% of children in Kibera attend school, facing barriers like poverty, gender inequality, and the need for children to contribute to family income.
• 😀 In 2009, the Kenyan government began a project to clear the slum, but progress has been slow, with the project possibly lasting until 3130.
• 😀 Despite efforts to improve housing, the cost of new housing in Kibera remains out of reach for many residents, as their daily wages are too low to afford rent.

Q & A

Where is Kibera located?

Kibera is located approximately 7 kilometers southwest of Nairobi City Center, in the peri-urban zone of Nairobi.

What is the estimated population of Kibera?

The population of Kibera is estimated to be between 170,000 and 1.2 million people, though the exact number is unknown.

What was the original purpose of Kibera's establishment?

Kibera was originally created during colonial times by the British to house colonial offices and serve as the headquarters of the Uganda Railway in 1899.

What was the status of Nairobi and its surrounding areas during the colonial era?

During the colonial era, Nairobi was intended only for Europeans, while non-Europeans were legally required to live in native reserves on the outskirts of the city.

Why did Kibera become a settlement for low-income people in 1963?

In 1963, following Kenya's independence, Kibera became a place for people who could not afford legal housing, particularly those who moved from rural areas seeking better opportunities in the city.

What is the average life expectancy in Kibera?

The average life expectancy in Kibera is just 30 years of age due to poor living conditions, infectious diseases, and lack of proper sanitation.

What are the main barriers to education in Kibera?

The main barriers to education in Kibera include poverty, gender inequality, and the need for older children to work and support the family income.

How does gender inequality affect education in Kibera?

In families with limited resources, male children are often prioritized for education, while girls are more likely to be encouraged into early marriage or employment.

What efforts has the Kenyan government made to improve Kibera's living conditions?

In 2009, the Kenyan government started a project to clear Kibera, but the project is progressing slowly and may not be completed until the year 3130.

What is the cost of housing in Kibera?

The deposit for a new two-bedroom house in Kibera is around 100,000 Shillings, with a monthly rent of approximately 6,000 Shillings, which is unaffordable for many residents earning only 200 Shillings a day.