JUMA: The government should address slum congestion for decent housing

Larger percentage of Nairobians are living in informal settings.

Basically, poor hygiene has been experienced alot among the residents living in these large squeezed populated areas.Areas like Kibera and other slums lack basic infrastructural facilities including water,sanitation and hygiene services moreso poor housing,unemployment which is a big issue and access to food which poses a great challenge.

As population climbs up day by day and the low access to a better life, majority of Kenyans find themselves struggling with the economical hike as most are living below their pay grade and they find it hard to afford a single meal in a single day and therefore majority of them end up looking for alternative ways of survival which puts them at risk as they end up risking their lives so that they access a meal in a day and by this they end up in crime.

Pollution is a greater threat to the residents who live in slums. This varies from air pollution, water to noise pollution. Due to congestion in slum settlements, the environment and is usually filthy as there are no alternative ways of a better  living among the residents. Most of the residents live a life known as “Survival for existence “and “Survival for the fittest” as they would do anything possible so as to attain their basic need at the end of the day.

Poor hygiene has led to low quality food production on the streets which are majorly unhygienic. The water consumed is not well treated as this ranges from untreated tap water to untreated sewage wastes which bring about water pollution. The toilets some which are comprised of throwing bags are not well cleaned as they produce unpleasant smell which can cause airborne respiratory diseases.

Due to air pollution in slums, this has blamed for infectious diseases.

To curb this threat, the authorities should come up with a solid solution to address the risk of slum congestion through slum upgrading. For example, the government  should adapt alternative policies such as focusing on rural development which will stop urbanisation and be able to plan for it and determine where the new residents will live and by this the authorities should identify land and plan for its settlement even when their is insufficient money income for urban service. Once the people settle on that land and have access to legal rights to live there, they will begin investing in it and over time the area will upgrade incrementally.