CS - Kibera

Question 1

What is Kibera?

Answer 1

It is an extremely large shanty town located in Nairobi, Kenya

Question 2

What are some of the characteristics of the squatter conditions and living conditions?

Answer 2

• Homes are made of mud, plastered over boards, wood or corrugated iron sheeting
• The paths between houses are irregular, narrow and often have a ditch running down the middle that contains sewage
• Rubbish covers the are as it is in unable to be collected
• The area smells of the charcoal used to provide fuel and of the human waste

Question 3

Why is the population density so high?

Answer 3

There is over 800,000 people living in an area of only 255 hectares

Question 4

What are the push factors for people wanting to move to cities?

Answer 4

• A lack of jobs
• Low wages
• Drought
• Poor prices for crops

Question 5

What are the pull factors for people wanting to move to cities?

Answer 5

• Better healthcare
• Better education
• Better jobs

Question 6

What are some effects of migration to people in the countryside?

Answer 6

• Brain drain (More educated people have left to the city)

- Gender imbalance (More women left behind looking for work)

Question 7

What are some of the problems the people of Kibera face?

Answer 7

• Crime is rife (widespread), vigilante groups offer protection at a price
• The police and law enforcement are reluctant to enter the slum
• However there is community spirit, homes are kept clean and residents welcome visitors

Question 8

What attempts have been made to improve Kenya?

Answer 8

Many charities have been taking action to help improve both the standard and quality of living for the people of Kibera:

• Practical Action, has been responsible for low cost roofing tiles that are cheaper providing a sturdy yet affordable building material
• The UN Human settlement has also provided affordable electricity to some parts of the slum at 300 shillings per shack
• The Red Cross have also been involved with some of the sanitation, both funding and overseeing the overall issue