Politics of upgrading squatter settlement ares: A case study of Micosi slum upgrading housing scheme

Abstract

The aim of this study is to find out the problem of housing among Low-income groups in Kenya. Th is is done through Studying the government policy of upgrading Squatter Settlement areas. Before 1974 the policy of the Kenya Government aimed at controlling squatter Settlements by way of demolition of upcoming Squatter Constructions discouraged the growth of Squatter Settlements by demolishing them every now and then. This policy was changed in the 1974/78 Development Planning. which now favoured Squatter Settlement upgrading. As this thesis demonstrates however, the new government policy of Squatter Settlement upgrading has not solved the problem of housing among low-income groups but has instead effected d reduction on the housing stock among these groups. Migosi Slum upgrading Scheme is our Case Study. It is evident that contrary to the assumptions of its planners, Slum Settlement was not inhabited by plot owners, but it was predominantly occupied by tenants who paid high rents to the landlords owning the slum housing units in the slum area. The policy of upgrading in Migosi slum settlement was therefore wrongly premised on plot owners the majority of whom did not live in Migosi. Meanwhile, the improved but still very poor standards have forced a rise in rent thus driving out the low-income groups and having the place to be occupied by the middle-income groups who can afford the new rents. The displaced squatters of Migosi have moved out to the outskirts of the town where they have set up new squatter units.