Nairobi’s Mukuru informal settlement faces an escalating housing crisis, with an estimated 527,526 to 700,000 residents living in just 2.5 square kilometers. This results in an extreme population density of around 280,000 individuals per square kilometer, a recent report by Habitat for Humanity Kenya (HFHK) has revealed.
The findings were presented during a stakeholder workshop in Nairobi, where policymakers, civil society organizations, and community leaders gathered to discuss solutions to the housing challenges affecting over half a million Mukuru residents. Among the major concerns raised were overcrowding, land tenure insecurity, substandard housing, and limited access to basic services.
Nixon Otieno, Programs Director at HFHK, emphasized the need for collective action to improve housing conditions in slums. He reiterated HFHK’s commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure that informal settlement residents access safe, decent, and adequate housing.
Nairobi County’s Director of Housing, Michael Kinoti, stressed that housing is a constitutional right and urged the county government to prioritize affordable, habitable shelter for low-income earners.
“Housing needs to be adequate, livable, and affordable. The Nairobi County Government must intervene to ensure low-income earners in informal settlements like Mukuru have access to proper shelter,” Kinoti stated.
The HFHK report revealed that over 80% of Mukuru residents live in makeshift structures made of iron sheets, with inadequate foundations and insulation. Furthermore, only 59% of households have access to potable water, while over 70% lack proper sanitation, waste management, and drainage services.
Economic hardships have exacerbated the housing crisis, with 39% of residents unemployed and 32% relying on informal self-employment. Many households earn less than Ksh30,000 per month, spending 30-50% of their income on rent, leaving little for food, healthcare, and education. Additionally, land tenure insecurity remains a pressing issue, as many residents lack legal ownership, exposing them to potential evictions.
To address these challenges, HFHK recommended the development of social housing programs, improved water and sanitation infrastructure, skill development, microfinance initiatives, and enhanced land tenure security. Mercy Gichengi from ActionAid Kenya urged the government to eliminate power brokers who hinder vulnerable communities from accessing essential services.
The workshop also featured contributions from the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, Nairobi County Government, Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company, and key development partners. HFHK reaffirmed its dedication to advocating for policy reforms and improving living conditions through its #HomeEquals campaign, which operates across eight counties in Kenya.
As discussions progress, stakeholders must take swift action to ensure Mukuru residents gain access to dignified housing and essential services, fostering a safer and healthier living environment for all.
