Assessing the Contribution of Informal Settlement Upgrading Interventions to Livability:

A Case of Kibra, Nairobi City County

Abstract

Rapid urbanization has accelerated the growth of informal settlements and pushed governments to implement upgrading projects. In Nairobi, the informal settlement of Kibra has undergone various interventions. However, their contribution to improving living conditions remains poorly understood. This study assesses the extent to which past upgrading efforts have improved living conditions for informal settlement residents. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods design. Data were collected through household surveys involving 152 households, 22 key informant interviews, field observations, and document analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Results indicate improvements in housing quality, basic services, and accessibility following interventions in housing, infrastructure, water, sanitation, environmental management, land tenure, livelihoods, and community participation. However, environmental pollution, safety, and livelihoods showed limited improvement. Integrated, community-based upgrading remains essential for sustainable informal settlement development.