Challenges facing settlement executive committees in slum upgrading programs in Kenya. A case study of Eldoret municipality

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to investigate the challenges facing Settlement Executive Committee (SEC) under slum upgrading programmes in Munyaka, Kamukunji and Huruma slums of Eldoret Municipality, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to: find out the composition of SEC membership under slum upgrading initiatives within the study area; examine the role of SEC in slum upgrading initiatives within the study area; identify the strategies used by SEC in execution of its role in slum upgrading within the study area; examine the challenges facing SEC in execution of its role in slum upgrading within the study area; and to recommend practicable solutions to curb the challenges. The target population in the study consisted of 57 settlement executive committee members. Since the target population was small census was used and the target population was the sample size. Primary data was collected from 57 SEC members by use of a semi structured questionnaire and secondary data was collected from published and unpublished information sources. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze data by way of percentages, weighted mean scores and standard deviation. The results have been presented using tables and charts. The findings indicated that there are a number of challenges that face SEC in execution of its role in slum upgrading programme among them inadequate facilitation of SEC. The results showed that SECs have no offices and other office equipment to effectively execute its role. Therefore, there is need for the government to facilitate SEC in terms of: provision of office and other office related equipment for effective execution of their role. This entails capacity building of SEC members via incentives such as trainings, exchange visits and monthly allowances so as to increase their commitment