Settlements in transformation: impacts of the emerging housing typologies on slums in Nairobi, a case of Mukuru Kwa Njenga settlement

Abstract

Informal settlements change over space and time and the number of people living in such housing areas has been growing worldwide. The reasons for this dynamical behavior are manifold. Nevertheless, informal settlements represent a status quo of housing which is from a humanitarian point of view in most cases unacceptable. Substandard building materials, poor structural designs, unsuitable building grounds ensued by poor services provision are only but a few of attributes which go aside with the phenomenon informal settlement. Due to this informal character, reliable and accurate data about informal housing trends and their inhabitants is rarely available. The complexity of urban systems, socio-economic factors and environmental aspects makes it difficult to adequately address informal housing. The project identified a settlement undergoing housing provision transformation and analyzed the impacts and implications of the housing changes in and around the settlement. As a result, the researcher provided a platform for prediction of its future growth and development and possible policy interventions. The approach used was based on the understanding of housing market trends in Nairobi and in the context of Kenya’s emerging economy. The use of surveys, interviews and focus group discussions helped in getting the current trend on housing provision. The study was conducted in Mukuru kwa Njenga settlement found approximately 6kms from the Nairobi central business district. The study findings indicate that there has been a slow but steady transition of informal settlement housing in and around the study area. As a result of this gradual change mainly due to socio-economic factors, there is an imminent case of gentrification and eviction of the lower income cadre living within. It is recommended that there should be drastic measures put in place to consider proper housing provision for such populous at the same time making sure that it remains affordable and accessible. Public sensitization and informal housing regulations with proper development control are a few of the recommendations proposed by the research.