Influence of prefabricated houses on the city housing problem: a case of Kibera slums in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

The question of housing is the most fundamental of social problems relating to the environment. All over the world people are trying to find ways of reducing the city housing problems so as to provide its people with decent housing for living and upgrade their living conditions. This study sought to investigate the influences of prefabricated houses on the city housing problem, a case of Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya.

The research objectives outlined were to: investigate the influence of cost of prefabricated houses on city housing problem; establish the influence of sanitation of prefabricated houses on the city housing problems and the impacts of security of prefabricated houses on the city housing problems. The literature review has an overview of Kibera slums as well as a detailed review of the variables under study.

The literature review also highlights how prefabricated houses have been used to address the city housing problems around the world with the use of affordable locally available materials. Conceptual framework has also been discussed and illustrated indicating the variables under study which include sanitation, cost and security of prefabricated houses against the city housing problems. The conceptual framework has also illustrated the moderating variables (enforcement of building codes, Iso standards and government policies) and intervening variables (socio economic activities and perception of the residents) and their effect on the main variables under study.

The study adopted a mixed mode research approach with a descriptive research design. The target population under study was the households of Kibera in the following villages; Makina, Mashimoni, Laini Saba, Silanga, Kambi Muru, Katwekera, Kianda, Lindi, Kisumu Ndogo, Kichinjio, Raila and Soweto. Data was collected from a sample of 50 households out of the target population of 1,214 households by use of questionnaires for the residents. Focus group discussions based on the variables under study was held with a sample of four key people from each village.

The data collection instruments were pretested using the key informants from the villages in Kibera before full application was done. Triangulation was done to ensure validity by asking the same question in different ways to ensure validity. A pilot test was also done with the key informants before conducting the study to ensure reliability. Operationalization of variables was presented to show the overview of the study. The data collected was processed through tabulation and tallying, thereafter it was coded and analyzed by use of measures of central tendencies, dispersion, percentages as well as content analysis.

The data was presented using tables and frequency distributions. The summary of the findings have also been outlined and discussed based on the variables under study. Conclusions have been made based on the information obtained. Finally study recommendations have also been made and suggestions for further research recommended as such will add great value to this research project.