Sanitation options for Kibera low-income area in Nairobi

Abstract

Kibera is a roughly 250 km2 squatter settlement about 7 km from downtown Nairobi. The population is about 450 000 people, and the population density is 180 000 per km2. The houses are made of temporary materials. The area is poorly served with basic infrastructure. The residents are mainly tenants of very low socio-economic status. The main objectives of this study was to propose practical alternatives to improve sanitation in Kibera. The study involved carrying out interviews among the residents. The aim of the field survey was to identify the needs of the residents and to find out their ability and willingness to pay for basic urban services. Posssibilities of community participation and management were looked into. Population density was estimated using field methods. The results show that the residents havet he willingness and ability to pay for basic services provided at a level that they can afford. The scope for community participation is wide in Kibera. Roles of various possible participants in a Kibera sanitation upgradingprogramme were studied. This includes the government, Nairobi City Comission (NCC), National Housing Corporation (NHC), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), external funding agencies (ESAs), local politicians and Kibera tenants and landlords. The roles of all these parties are very important and success of any upgrading programme will depend on the level of cooperation between them. An Informal Settlemants Department is proposed within NCC to oversee developments in informal settlements. Stormwater drainage should be either open unlined earth drains lined earthdrains. Sullage disposal should be arranged either with excreta or with stormwater disposal. Solid waste management could be either provision of partially or fully community based. These alternatives were analysed and costs were estimated. The choice will depend on further analysis and preparation of bills of quantities. Community participation should be an integral part of the project while total cost recovery in the long term is recommended. The project is adduced to be considered financially viable. The government has to facilitate the provision of infrastructure in Kibera. /Kir11