DOCSLIB.ORG

M-Maji Ð Using Mobile Phones to Improve Access to Water Progress

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
M-Maji Ð Using Mobile Phones to Improve Access to Water Progress Can Mobile Phones Improve Clean Water Access in Developing Country Slums? Sangick Jeon, Ph.D. Candidate, Political Science, Stanford Eran Bendavid, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Stanford Joshua Cohen, Professor of Law, Philosophy, and Political Science, Stanford Terry Winograd, Professor of Computer Science, Stanford project Designing Liberaon Technologies – 2012 CS379L/PoliSci337T/Law498 - Spring quarter at the d.school Interdisciplinary student teams, worKing together with students from the University of Nairobi, will create mobile applicaons that can accelerate economic and social development in Kenya. The course will be taught by Joshua Cohen, Terry Winograd, Zia Yusuf, and Jofish Kaye who bring a mix of social science, computer science, and business bacKgrounds. It will bring together students with diverse interests and experiences, including computer science, medicine, anthropology, poli,cal science, law, and business. No special exper,se is required. What you need is simply a passion for design, a commitment to creave problem solving, and an enthusiasm for worKing with interdisciplinary project teams and NGOs innovang in tools for human M-Maji – using mobile phones to improve access to water progress. Apply Now: By January 20 We plan to send some students to Kenya during Spring Break to do ini,al needfinding and collaboraon. There are also liKely to be opportuni,es for travel to Kenya during the summer to con,nue promising projects. 6 students represen,ng 3 teams went this past summer. Admission by applica/on, due by January 20, 2010: hp://hci.stanford.edu/courses/CS379L For more informaon contact [email protected] method problem-solving question intellectual and practical Can deliberate applications of mobile technology to human development challenges yield significant improvements in human well-being, even in low-income, poorly governed countries? m4d? location(s) Nairobi’s informal settlements foundation relationships the problem Water in Kibera is scarce, costly, and contaminated Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya Water in Kibera is scarce, costly, and contaminated • Pop. 200,000 – 400,000. No formal water or sanitation—85% rely on vendors/kiosks. • On good days, takes just under an hour to find water. On bad days, the search can take all day. • Water shortages up to 4x a month, during which time price of water can increase tenfold. Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya • Infant mortality in Kibera more than three times the average of Nairobi as a whole. Kibera lacks consistent access to water, but not to mobile phones… Kibera lacks consistent access to water, but not to mobile phones… Mobile Use in Kenya Mobile Tariffs in Kenya Source: Jack and Suri (2009) Source: CCK, Operators’ returns Kibera lacks consistent access to water, but not to mobile phones… Access to Mobile Phones in Kibera (by village) 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 99.00 98.57 97.30 92.50 93.94 95.00 100 87.18 77.14 77.50 80 60 Percent 40 20 0 GAT KAM KIA KIC KIS LAI LIN MAK MAS RAI SIL SWE SWW Village Source: M-Maji survey of 881 households in Kibera (February 2011) the idea use ubiquitous mobile technology to improve access to clean water Where is water today? Beth Welcome to $$ M-Maji! 1. Find Water 2. Sell Water 3. Complain OK < > Back $$$ $ $$$ $ Samuel use ubiquitous mobile technology to improve access to clean water 2. 1. Vendors Welcome to M-Maji! 1. Find Water 2. Sell Water 3. Complain 3. OK < > Back Buyers 1. Vendors Welcome to 1. Vendors Advertise M-Maji! 1. Find Water 2. Sell Water Use SMS/USSD to notify M- 3. Complain Maji of water availability, location, price, and quality. OK < > Back Buyers Ads collected and stored in a central database in real-time. 2. Vendors Welcome to 2. Buyers Query M-Maji! 1. Find Water 2. Sell Water Use SMS/USSD to find the 3. Complain closest, cheapest, and cleanest water. OK < > Back Buyers Water information verified by M-Maji staff on the ground. Vendors Welcome to 3. Buyers Rate M-Maji! 1. Find Water 2. Sell Water Buyers use voice/SMS/USSD 3. Complain 3. to provide feedback and file complaints about vendors who OK < > Back misrepresent water availability, Buyers price, or quality. This feedback generates “vendor ratings,” which alert future buyers of any negative histories. dial vendors advertise *778# # not Welcome to M- recognized Maji! Enter your Welcome to account phone M-Maji! number or enter 0 to create a new 1. Find Water account. 2. Sell Water 3. Complain OK < > Back 2. OK < > Back Please enter your 1. New Please enter # 4 digit PIN: advertisement water price in Ksh 2. Update per 20 liter jerry recognized advertisement can. 3. Add new kiosk OK < > Back OK < > Back vendors advertise SMS price to 7787 To 7787: From M-Maji: 4 SUCCESS: today you are selling water for KES 4 per jerry can dial buyers query *778# 1. Welcome to Water is available Water is near Choose vendor: M-Maji! in villages: landmarks: 1. 2Ksh John, 1. Gatwekera 1. Wema Clinic near Makongen 1. Find Water 2. Kambi Muru 2. Kibera Girls Church 2. Sell Water 3. KisumuNdogo Primary 2. 5Ksh Salome, 3. Complain 4. Makina 3. Tabitha Clinic near Olympic 5. Mashimoni Mobile Recharge Station, purified* OK < > Back OK < > Back OK < > Back OK < > Back buyers query In [village name] water is available SMS village name from: 2Ksh John near Makonngen Church; 3Ksh to 7787 village Samuel near Mashimoni recognized Primary; 5Ksh Salome near Olympic; 7Ksh… To 7787: Currently no water in [village name]. [village name] In [next closest no water in village village] 3Ksh Mama Brian near Kibera Girls; 3Ksh Mwangi near MSF; 4Ksh Tom near AIC church; 5Ksh Vinias near Mboya. village not There is no village recognized in Kibera called [misspelled village]. Please SMS the name of a Kibera village, like Gatwekera, Kambi Muru, Kianda, Kicchinjio, Kisumu Ndogo, Makina, … User A: Water Vendors Dial *778# or SMS 7787 ! Welcome!to!! to create water ad with: M*Maji!! • Location ! • Price 1.!Find!Water! • Quality 2.!Sell!Water! 3.!Complaints!! ! User B: Water Buyers OK!!!!!!!<!>!!!!!Back! Dial *778# or send an GSM Carrier SMS to 7787 to: 1. Access water listings: M*Maji!is!a! FREE!service.!To! • Location find!clean!water! • Price in!Kibera,!SMS! • Quality the!name!of!a! village!to!7787.! GSM Modem and USSD/SMS Gateways For!quesPons! 2. File a complaint call!0716!202! 678!! User C: M-Maji staff Use internet to: Choose!vendor:! 1. Verify: 1.!2Ksh!John,! near!AIC!Church! • Location M-Maji 2.!5Ksh!Salome,! • Price Centralized near!Olympic! • Quality Primary,! Information System • Complaints purified*! 3.!5Ksh!Mama!B.! External Applications and OK!!!!!!!<!>!!!Back! MySQL Database 2. Input water quality data Sample Screenshots 2. Better information will: 1. Vendors 1. Reduce water search costs (time, money) 3. 2. Improve clean water uptake Buyers 3. Encourage vendor accountability 2. Better information will: 1. Vendors 1. Reduce water search costs (time, money) - Aker 2010, Jensen 2007 3. 2. Improve clean water uptake - Jalan and Somanathan 2008, Buyers Madajewicz et al. 2007 3. Encourage vendor accountability - Axelrod 1984, Calvert 1995, Greif 1994, Milgrom, North, and Weingast 1990 Jensen 2007 2. Better information will: 1. Vendors 1. Reduce water search costs (time, money) - Aker 2010, Jensen 2007 3. 2. Improve clean water uptake - Jalan and Somanathan 2008, Buyers Madajewicz et al. 2007 3. Encourage vendor accountability - Axelrod 1984, Calvert 1995, Greif 1994, Milgrom, North, and Weingast 1990 In Bangladesh: • Households notified of well water contamination 37 percentage points more likely to seek out an alternative water source • Households change despite 15x increase in search times Madajewicz et al. 2007 In India: • Households notified of water contamination 11 percentage points more likely to begin purification within 8 weeks • Households that begin purification spend $7.24 more Jalan and Somanathan 2008 2. Better information will: 1. Vendors 1. Reduce water search costs (time, money) - Aker 2010, Jensen 2007 3. 2. Improve clean water uptake - Jalan and Somanathan 2008, Buyers Madajewicz et al. 2007 3. Encourage vendor accountability - Axelrod 1984, Calvert 1995, Greif 1994, Milgrom, North, and Weingast 1990 implementation M-Maji Pilot (2012-2013) Makina Kianda Mashimoni Kambi Muru Laini Saba Kisumu Ndogo Legend Soweto East Soweto West Lindi Kibera Villages Gatwekera Pilot Raila Silanga 1st Stage 2nd Stage • Pilot in 2 stages. - 1st Stage: Preliminary release in 5 villages (Aug. 28, 2012). - 2nd Stage: Expand to all 13 villages (Feb. 11, 2013). - Preliminary release: no water quality testing and no ratings • Led by Umande Trust on the ground. Umande Trust (Kenya) use ubiquitous mobile technology to improve access to clean water Aug 28, 2012 – Present Welcome to M-Maji! 32,163 total transactions 1. Find Water 10,095 users 2. Sell Water 3. Complain 3,946 returning users 134 vendors OK < > Back 1,021 water ads Number of Transactions Per Day Total Transactions Successful Transactions 200 150 100 Num. of TransactionsNum. of 50 0 Sep Nov Jan Mar May Date • 32,163 total transactions (102/day on average) • 16% transactions successful Percent of Successful Transactions Per Day 0.8 0.6 Percent 0.4 0.2 0.0 Sep Nov Jan Mar May Date • average success rate in first 30 days: 4% • average success rate in last 30 days: 36% Number of Ads Per Day 25 20 15 10 NumberAds of 5 0 Sep Nov Jan Mar May Date Histogram of Vendor Usage (Num of Ads Created) 61 60 40 23 Number of Vendors 20 12 7 6 5 4 4 3 0 1 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 10 15 20+ Number of Ads Created Ads & Queries by Village (Percent of Total since
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Kibera: the Biggest Slum in Africa? Amélie Desgroppes, Sophie Taupin
    Kibera: The Biggest Slum in Africa? Amélie Desgroppes, Sophie Taupin To cite this version: Amélie Desgroppes, Sophie Taupin. Kibera: The Biggest Slum in Africa?. Les Cahiers de l’Afrique de l’Est, 2011, 44, pp.23-34. halshs-00751833 HAL Id: halshs-00751833 https://halshs.archives-ouvertes.fr/halshs-00751833 Submitted on 14 Nov 2012 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. Kibera: The Biggest Slum in Africa? Amélie Desgroppes and Sophie Taupin Abstract This article presents the findings of the estimated population of Kibera, often said to be the “biggest slum in Africa”. This estimation was done in 2009 by the French Institute for Research in Africa (IFRA) Nairobi and Keyobs, a Belgian company, using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) methodology and a ground survey. The results showed that there are 200,000 residents, instead of the 700,000 to 1 million figures which are often quoted. The 2009 census and statistics on Kibera’s population also confirmed that the IFRA findings were accurate. Introduction Kibera, the infamous slum in Nairobi – Kenya’s capital, is viewed as “the biggest, largest and poorest slum in Africa”.
    [Show full text]
  • Slum Toponymy in Nairobi, Kenya a Case Study Analysis of Kibera
    Urban and Regional Planning Review Vol. 4, 2017 | 21 Slum toponymy in Nairobi, Kenya A case study analysis of Kibera, Mathare and Mukuru Melissa Wangui WANJIRU*, Kosuke MATSUBARA** Abstract Urban informality is a reality in cities of the Global South, including Sub-Saharan Africa, which has over half the urban population living in informal settlements (slums). Taking the case of three informal settlements in Nairobi (Kibera, Mathare and Mukuru) this study aimed to show how names play an important role as urban landscape symbols. The study analyses names of sub-settlements (villages) within the slums, their meanings and the socio-political processes behind them based on critical toponymic analysis. Data was collected from archival sources, focus group discussion and interviews, newspaper articles and online geographical sources. A qualitative analysis was applied on the village names and the results presented through tabulations, excerpts and maps. Categorisation of village names was done based on the themes derived from the data. The results revealed that village names represent the issues that slum residents go through including: social injustices of evictions and demolitions, poverty, poor environmental conditions, ethnic groupings among others. Each of the three cases investigated revealed a unique toponymic theme. Kibera’s names reflected a resilient Nubian heritage as well as a diverse ethnic composition. Mathare settlements reflected political struggles with a dominance of political pioneers in the village toponymy. Mukuru on the other hand, being the newest settlement, reflected a more global toponymy-with five large villages in the settlement having foreign names. Ultimately, the study revealed that ethnic heritage and politics, socio-economic inequalities and land injustices as well as globalization are the main factors that influence the toponymy of slums in Nairobi.
    [Show full text]
  • 'Pushing the Week' an Ethnography on The
    ‘PUSHING THE WEEK’ AN ETHNOGRAPHY ON THE DYNAMICS OF IMPROVING LIFE IN KIBERA: THE INTERPLAY OF INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL INFLUENCES THESIS MSC DEVELOPMENT AND RURAL INNOVATION WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITY AND RESEARCH CENTRE THE NETHERLANDS KEYWORDS SLUM, NGO’S, UPGRADING, GRASSROOTS, UPWARD MOBILITY, IMPROVEMENT, AGENCY, INFORMALITY, TRIBALISM, SPATIALITY, ETHNOGRAPHY STUDENT EVA VAN IWAARDEN STUDENT NUMBER 870712-383060 [email protected] SUPERVISOR DR. B.J. JANSEN SOCIOLOGY OF DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE [email protected] ABSTRACT The title of this research starts with ‘pushing the week’. This is the translation of the most eaten vegetable in Kenya and Kibera, a kale by the name of ‘sukuma wiki’ in Swahili. As this research progressed and life in Kibera was examined more closely, it seems that language around life and living in Kibera can be seen closely related to the name of this vegetable that is eaten almost every day. ‘We are just pushing ahead in life, another week, lets see where it takes us’. No matter what is written down about life in Kibera, another week starts, and another one, and another one… This research examines how women living in Kibera perceive improvement of life in Kibera. This topic is very dynamic, broad and has many ways in which it can be approached. It is impossible to merely ask some questions and draw conclusions about a space so dynamic and a population in all its diversity. As most slums worldwide, Kibera is a popular place for organisations to lend a helping hand, where community initiatives are plenty and where slum upgrading programs are implemented.
    [Show full text]
  • The Influence of Parent -Adolescent Communication on Sexual and Reproductive Behavior of Adolescents: Case Study of Kibera Slums
    THE INFLUENCE OF PARENT -ADOLESCENT COMMUNICATION ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR OF ADOLESCENTS: CASE STUDY OF KIBERA SLUMS NJENGA GEOFFREY GATHII A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION IN PARTIAL FULLFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE MASTERS OF ARTS COMMUNICATION STUDIES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI 2015 DECLARATION This Research Project is my original work and has not been presented for a degree in any other University. Njenga Geoffrey Gathii K50/69780/2013 _________________________ _______________________ Signature Date This Research Project has been submitted for examination with my approval the University supervisor Dr. Ndeti Ndati, PhD School of Journalism and Mass Communication University of Nairobi _________________________ _______________________ Signature Date ii DEDICATION I dedicate this work to my loving parents Mr.Francis Njenga Mungai and Mrs. Grace Wanjiku Njenga for planting the seed of education in me. Second, to my fiancée Fridah Mukami and the entire Njenga family for their support and encouragement. God bless you all iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The completion of this work was made possible through the assistance of many people to whom I am greatly indebted. First, I would like to sincerely thank the Almighty God for giving me the gift of life to write this work. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisor Dr. Ndeti Ndati for the invaluable professional guidance, motivation and patience, not to mention his advice and unsurpassed knowledge in health communication that enabled me compile this research. I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to all the lecturers of the School of Journalism, University of Nairobi whose contribution towards this study was remarkable and applaudable.
    [Show full text]
  • A Case Study of Un-Habitat in in Kibera's Soweto East
    UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI THE ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN SLUM UPGRADING IN AFRICA: A CASE STUDY OF UN-HABITAT IN IN KIBERA’S SOWETO EAST VILLAGE SLUMS, NAIROBI, KENYA (2005-2018) NDEDA PHILIP CHARLES R50/88578/2016 A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES, INSTITUTE OF DIPLOMACY AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES, THE UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI. NOVEMBER 2018 i DECLARATIONS I hereby declare that this research project is my original work and has never been submitted to any institution of higher learning for any academic award and therefore no part should be reproduced without permission of the author. NDEDA PHILIP CHARLES ADMIN NO: R50/88578/2016 Sign……………………. Date………………………… This research project has been submitted for award of a Masters of Arts Degree in International Studies at the University of Nairobi at the Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies with my approval as the Supervisor. DR. EMMANUEL KISIANGANI Signature………………………………… Date………………………………….. ii DEDICATION I would like to dedicate this this research project to my late dad Mwalimu Gideon Saul Ndeda-Naholi for the immeasurable love, care, guidance and good parenting. May God rest your soul in eternal peace. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and foremost, I thank the Almighty God for giving me the gift of life, strength and wisdom to be able to carry out this research project and for the guidance throughout the entire course at IDIS. My profound thanks goes to Dr. Emmanuel Kisiangani who accepted to take up my request of being my supervisor. He indeed directed me through the research process and his input is such invaluable.
    [Show full text]
  • Challenges Facing Income Generating Women Groups in Informal Settlements in Kenya with a Special Focus on Women Groups in Kibera Slums
    CHALLENGES FACING INCOME GENERATING WOMEN GROUPS IN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS: A STUDY OF SELECTED WOMEN GROUPS IN KIBERA ELIZABETH ABALA RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS IN GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES OF KENYATTA UNVERSITY DECEMBER, 2013 DECLARATION This research proposal is my original work and has not been presented for a degree in any other University. Signature Date ………………………………….. ……………………………… ELIZABETH ABALA REG. NO.: C50/10942/2008 Supervisors. This research project has been submitted for review with our approval as University Supervisors. 1. Dr. Pacificah Okemwa, Ph.D Department of Gender and Development Studies Signature …………………………….. Date. ………………….. 2. Dr. Mildred Lodiaga, Ph.D Department of Gender and Development Studies Signature ……………………… Date. ………………….. ii DEDICATION This project is dedicated to my family Herman, Reba, Naomi, Jackson, Jefferson, my sister Judith and my late mother Joyce Muhonja whose interest in further education provoked me to undertake further studies. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents…………………………………………………………… vi-vii List of Figures………………………………………………………………. vii List of Tables………………………………………………………………… vii Pictures………………………………………………………………………. vii Acknowledgements………………………………………………………….. viii Abstract ………..……………………………………………………………. ix Operational Definition of Terms…………………………………………….. x Abbreviations and Acronyms…………………………………………………. xi-xii CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the Study………………………………………………. 1 1.2 Statement of the Problem………………………………………………. 5 1.3 Objectives of the Study..………………………………………………. 7 1.4 Research Questions…………………………………………………….. 7 1.5 Significance and Justification of the Study……………………………. 7 1.6 Scope and Delimitations of the Study………………………………….. 9 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Introduction ……………………………………………………………. 10 2.2 Current Trends and Reports on Activities of Women Groups………….
    [Show full text]
  • Socio- Economic Impact of Electrification on Micro and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Kibera Slum, Nairobi
    SOCIO- ECONOMIC IMPACT OF ELECTRIFICATION ON MICRO AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN KIBERA SLUM, NAIROBI MUHIA PAMELA MARION MUTHONI X50/73448/2014 A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE IN ECONOMICS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI OCTOBER 2019 ii DECLARATION This project is my original work and has not been presented for a degree or any other award in a university. Signature:…………………………………..Date:………………………… MUHIA PAMELA MARION MUTHONI X50/73448/2014 This project has been submitted for examination with my approval as university supervisor. Signature: ……………………………………….Date:………………………… Dr. Kamau Gathiaka iii DEDICATION I dedicate this research project to my mother Mrs. Elizabeth Kibe and my father Mr. Muhia Mwaura iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I sincerely thank my supervisor, Dr. Kamau Gathiaka for invaluable input and guidance throughout the preparation of this project. His insights have significantly contributed towards shaping this project. I also express my appreciation to all my friends who helped me shape some of the project ideas and those who provided moral support. I appreciate the support that I received from the lecturers in the School of Economics at the University of Nairobi. Thank you all and God bless you. I am very greatly indebted to my family and my research assistant Mr. Isaac Waithaka W. v TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION ..........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Prevalence of Acute Respiratory Infections and the Associated Risk Factors: a Study of Children Under Five Years of Age in Kibera Lindi Village, Nairobi, Kenya
    角井 信弘 67 特集：合同臨地訓練 The Prevalence of acute respiratory infections and the associated risk factors: A Study of children under five years of age in Kibera Lindi Village, Nairobi, Kenya Sikolia DN1), Mwololo K2), Cherop H3), Hussein A4), Juma M5), Kurui J6), Bwika A7), Seki I8), Osaki Y9) Abstract: Acute respiratory infection (ARI) in children is a prevalent condition. In Kenya, 19% of all the cases seen in outpatient clinics and hospitals are acute respiratory infection and mostly in the urban communities. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk-factors of acute respiratory infections in under 5 years of age in Kibera Lindi. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence and whether, housing, overcrowding, smoke emissions and immunization status play a role in the acquisition of acute respiratory infections in Kibera Lindi slum village, which is located in Nairobi, Kenya. Most of the people living in this area are of the low socio-economic status. A retrospective cross-sectional survey was carried out in which the study population consisted of all children under five years of age living in the village. The quota sampling procedure was used, targeting a sample size of 300 children and data was collected using an interview schedule. It was found that ARI was prevalent in the area (69.7%). In addition, among the risk factors of ARI studied were; mud walled houses (RR=1.13), houses without windows (RR=1.14), overcrowing (RR=1.24), cooking fuel (firewood RR=1.42, kerosene RR=1.18), cooking near the bed (R=1.35).
    [Show full text]
  • Affordable Housing Provision in Informal Settlements Through Land
    sustainability Article Affordable Housing Provision in Informal Settlements through Land Value Capture and Inclusionary Housing Bernard Nzau * and Claudia Trillo School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 29 June 2020; Accepted: 18 July 2020; Published: 24 July 2020 Abstract: Public-driven attempts to provide decent housing to slum residents in developing countries have either failed or achieved minimal output when compared to the growing slum population. This has been attributed mainly to shortage of public funds. However, some urban areas in these countries exhibit vibrant real estate markets that may hold the potential to bear the costs of regenerating slums. This paper sheds light on an innovative hypothesis to achieve slum regeneration by harnessing the real estate market. The study seeks to answer the question “How can urban public policy facilitate slum regeneration, increase affordable housing, and enhance social inclusion in cities of developing countries?” The study approaches slum regeneration from an integrated land economics and spatial planning perspective and demonstrates that slum regeneration can successfully be managed by applying land value capture (LVC) and inclusionary housing (IH) instruments. The research methodology adopted is based on a hypothetical master plan and related housing policy and strategy, aimed at addressing housing needs in Kibera, the largest slum in Nairobi, Kenya. This simulated master plan is complemented with economic and residual land value analyses that demonstrate that by availing land to private developers for inclusionary housing development, it is possible to meet slum residents’ housing needs by including at least 27.9% affordable housing in new developments, entirely borne by the private sector.
    [Show full text]
  • Toponymy and the Spatial Politics of Power on the Urban Landscape of Nairobi, Kenya
    Toponymy and the Spatial Politics of Power on the Urban Landscape of Nairobi, Kenya March 2018 WANJIRU Melissa Wangui i Toponymy and the Spatial Politics of Power on the Urban Landscape of Nairobi, Kenya Graduate School of Systems and Information Engineering University of Tsukuba March 2018 WANJIRU Melissa Wangui ii ABSTRACT Names of places, otherwise known as toponyms, have in the past been viewed as passive signifiers on the urban space. However, in the last two decades, scholarly attention has focused on reading toponyms within the broader socio-political context — a concept referred to as critical toponymy. Critical toponymy refutes the notion that place names are simple, predictable and naturally occurring features which give descriptions of locations of places. In Nairobi, no critical research has been done to find out the motivations behind place naming and the implications of certain naming patterns, especially in showing the linkage between the power struggles and the toponymic inscriptions on the urban landscape. The main objective of this study is to investigate the meaning and processes behind the inscription of place names and their role in the spatial politics of power on the urban landscape of Nairobi, Kenya. To analyse toponymy and the spatial politics that influenced the city over time, Nairobi’s toponymic history was analysed chronologically based on three political epochs: the colonial period 1899–1963; the post-independence period 1964–1990; and the contemporary period 1990–2017. The third period was further sub-divided into two phases, with its latter phase starting in 2008, the year when the debate surrounding privatisation of naming rights began.
    [Show full text]
  • What Is the Genesis of the Perennial Conflicts in Kibera Informal Settlement Nairobi Kenya?
    CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION The overarching question in this narrative analysis is: What is the genesis of the perennial conflicts in Kibera informal settlement Nairobi Kenya? 1.1 Aims and Objectives This research report aims to explore the dynamics of the 2001 conflicts in Kibera in Nairobi. The report asks what precipitated the conflicts in Kibera and how were they manifested? Did they take class or ethnic forms? Did different conflicts give rise to different modalities of conflict? 1.2 Rationale The reason for choosing Kibera is that it has a long history of conflicts that predate independence. It is thus possible to trace the nature of conflict over time and provide analysis of the variables that have contributed to the ongoing conflicts in the area. According to Peace and Development Network (Peace-Net), an umbrella body for nongovernmental organisations working to resolve local conflicts in Kenya, ‘Slum dwellers do not identify conditions of deprivation that subject them to such kind of a livelihood. Instead, they turn against each other, coalescing around various identities as either tenants or landlords, where housing conflicts are concerned or along ethnic lines, when perceived ‘ethnic interests’ are at stake, or along gang lines, among other identities” (Peace Monitor 2003; 50). Using these variables as a launching pad, the report hopes to disentangle the variables that account for the conflicts in Kibera. 1 1.3 Background to the Study Geographically, Kibera is located 10 kilometres to the west of Nairobi city centre. Officially it is estimated to have a population of 700 000 people although the population could be as high as one million since 90 per cent of the slum houses were single rooms that measured 100 square feet in area and housed between three to five people (Law Society of Kenya 2004; 4).
    [Show full text]
  • A Cost of the Diet Assessment for Kibera
    A Cost of the Diet analysis in the informal settlement of Kibera, Nairobi Location: Kibera Date collected: 15th – 19th July, 2013 HEA data: June 2013 1 Acknowledgments The Cost of the Diet analysis was led by Assumpta Ndumi from Save the Children UK, with support from Catherine Syombua and Peter Kagwemi of Umande Trust who provided administrative and logistical support. The Cost of the Diet assessment was undertaken by: Teresiah Wairimu, Sherry Hadondi, David Githinji, Susan Mumbua, Stella Nabwire, Elizabeth Muthikwa, Irene Abuto, Dorothy Ambogo and Victor Otieno. The analysis and this report were written by Assumpta Ndumi with contributions from Amy Deptford. The analysis was funded by GlaxoSmithKline. Thanks to due to Save the Children staffs from the Kenya country office, EA regional office and London for their support and for making the practical arrangements for the analysis to take place. This analysis would not have been possible without the willing help of the market traders of Laini Saba, Soweto East, Gatwekera, Makina, Kisumu Ndogo, Mashimoni, Kianda and Silanga and of the women who participated in the focus group discussions. Their time, hospitality and insights are greatly appreciated. 2 Table of Contents Acknowledgments ........................................................................................................... 2 Table of Contents ............................................................................................................ 3 List of tables and figures ................................................................................................
    [Show full text]