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.
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.
Biupe Innovators is a group located in the heart of Mukuru, one of the biggest informal settlements in Africa.
In this blog, Kamila Gojobe examines the critical struggle for access to clean water in informal settlements, highlighting the profound challenges faced by residents amidst climate change and prolonged drought conditions in Kenya. Despite these hardships, the post notes positive developments, such as emerging partnerships and community initiatives aimed at addressing the water crisis.
In their blog, Jacob Omondi and Rogers Abala discuss the critical importance of safeguarding during data collection within informal settlements as part of the ARISE research work. Muungano Wa Wanavijiji prioritizes the protection of co-researchers and participants by providing thorough training on safeguarding practices, ensuring that co-researchers are prepared to respond to potential risks. Key principles include maintaining participant anonymity and confidentiality, as well as pausing data collection in cases of community conflict to prioritize safety.
In their exploration of community-led monitoring and evaluation, Michelle Koyaro, Milka Kori, Rogers Otieno, and Elvira Songoro discuss how Muungano Wa Wanavijiji applied the Ripple Effect Mapping tool to assess their work within the ARISE initiative. They highlight the limitations of traditional monitoring frameworks, which often struggle to aggregate results and accurately reflect the impacts of programs on participants. By embracing community-based participatory research, Muungano Wa Wanavijiji effectively captures program impacts while aligning their evaluation processes with donor objectives and organizational strategies.
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