The potential of enterprise centres for sustainable livelihood in informal settlements: A case of Kibera slum in Nairobi

Abstract

Despite the gains made towards alleviation of slums globally, the phenomenon is increasing in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, several studies have focused on various aspects while little focus is placed on livelihood empowerment in slum upgrading and redevelopment programs. This study focused on the livelihoods of slum dwellers and challenges emerging from upgrading and improving infrastructure. Therefore, a qualitative approach and case study strategy were adopted to gauge the potential reception in the Kibera slum area. Interviews with traders within the settlement and key informants from institutions engaged in the slum upgrading and infrastructure improvement were conducted. In addition, a review of official documents, particularly policies and laws affecting slum upgrading, was crucial in building the evidence-based component of the study. The study revealed that while there exist several interventions aiming at improving livelihood and economic situation of the residents, such interventions are generally perceived to be far-removed from the formal slum redevelopment program. Further, it was observed that there are limited coordination and synchronization of these efforts, resulting in disjointed support systems to small entrepreneurs and resource wastage. The research points out the potential of enterprise centres as an economic policy in slum alleviation. The concept, if well implemented, can help improve the retention of beneficiaries of slum redevelopment initiatives. Moreover, increased cost recovery from the new infrastructure can boost the replicability and sustainability of redevelopment interventions.