At SDI Kenya, we believe that the voices of those closest to the challenges of urban slum living are essential to shaping inclusive cities. This blog serves as a platform where staff, community members, and partners collaborate to share diverse perspectives — covering pressing issues, showcasing transformative initiatives, and highlighting innovative research that drives our mission.
From grassroots-led solutions to climate resilience to the power of data in advocacy, our posts reflect the lived experiences, expertise, and collective efforts shaping a brighter future for Kenya’s urban communities. Dive in to explore the stories that inspire action and amplify the voices of change-makers on the ground.
Today, despite obstacles, Kibera is a hub of resilience and creativity, with communities—particularly the youth—actively working to address issues like housing, climate change, and social inequality through initiatives like artivism.
This April, the Cornell Mui Ho Center for Cities welcomes Joseph Kimani, Executive Director of Slum Dwellers International–Kenya, to campus to share conversation and learning as both organizations seek to support informal settlement residents in their efforts to achieve increased housing security and equitable access to urban services.
Mathare 4b is one of the 13 villages along Mathare valley with 1949 household and approximate population of 7,796 residents, characterized by irregular landscape, poor and slow infrastructural development, social and economic challenges.
In the vibrant Naivasha constituency, where horticultural activities thrive, and amidst the bustling Naivasha Town, our journey led us to a remarkable organization, Picha Tamu.
In the outskirts of Kisumu City, specifically in Obunga slums where waste disposal has long been a pressing issue and illegal dumping is a daily occurrence, we introduce you to a community-based organization known as Kamakowa JamTaka.
In this blog, Janet Wairimu discusses the harsh realities of climate change in Mathare, Nairobi, highlighting its disproportionate impact on residents living in extreme poverty. She emphasizes the urgent need for mitigation strategies to address issues like flooding, drought, and disease outbreaks exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure. Wairimu advocates for a healthy, safe environment and a sustainable future for all, particularly those in informal settlements.
In this blog, Emily Wangari shares her experiences as a Community Health Promoter in Mathare, Nairobi, highlighting the risks to her safety and the mental strain of her role. She emphasizes the importance of community involvement and research through the ARISE initiative, while also addressing the challenging realities faced by health promoters, including stories that may be triggering for some readers.
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