Towards a more comprehensive approach to squatter upgrading : of Kiandutu settlement; A case study Thika town

Abstract

Presence of slums and squatter settlements in urban areas has become a characteristic feature of developing countries. Africa is no exception or Kenya for that matter. The major causal factors are among others, rapid rural to urban migration, urban unemployment and inadequacy of urban services. The traditional method of slum demolition has come under criticism .on Economic, Social and Political grounds. Alternatively, squatter improvement has been adopted by many national Governments. Yet inspite of these efforts, living conditions in these settlements continue to deteriorate and new ones to emerge. This study on squatter upgrading was undertaken in recognition of lack of comprehensive approach to the squatter problem. It adopted a case study approach and examined Kiandutu squatter settlements in Thika Town the Industrial town of Kenya. The intention was to seek a comprehensive understanding of squatter settlements and their people. Setting the hypothesis that emergence of squatter settlement is more than a housing problem in urban areas, the study has also examined the current methods of squatter upgrading.