Safeguarding sanitation in high population density urban settlements: A case study of Kibera slums Nairobi county.

ABSTRACT

Sanitation has been a thorny issue especially in many informal settlements all over the world with the third world countries being highly affected. Therefore people living in these affected areas are exposed to these deplorable conditions. Kenya is not spared either and therefore our informal settlements are suffering from myriad of sanitation related problems that are causing slum residents to be unprotected from all manner of exposures. Since there are a lot of underlying factors which are causing the state of poor sanitation in Kibera then this study was natured with the aim of unearthing some of the contributors leading to poor sanitation which have prevented the realization of the dream of a slum with sound sanitation systems. Since inadequacy of water and lack of sanitation facilities and services can be highly blamed for the nature of sanitation, the study further focussed on analysing the depths of these issues keenly and objectively. This was done so as to come up with sustainable solutions that will help alleviate poverty as well as promote environmental sanity which is key in promoting the standards of living of Kibera residents in addition to health of the slum dwellers. The stakeholders‟ roles will be analysed to evaluate their contribution to solving the sanitation menace. Ultimately, recommendations and an action plan are provided with the view of seeking to change the issue of revolving around the status quo and start moving towards the desired quo of sound sanitation.