CS - Kibera Flashcards
1
Q
What is Kibera?
A
It is an extremely large shanty town located in Nairobi, Kenya
2
Q
What are some of the characteristics of the squatter conditions and living conditions?
A
- Homes are made of mud, plastered over boards, wood or corrugated iron sheeting
- The paths between houses are irregular, narrow and often have a ditch running down the middle that contains sewage
- Rubbish covers the are as it is in unable to be collected
- The area smells of the charcoal used to provide fuel and of the human waste
3
Q
Why is the population density so high?
A
There is over 800,000 people living in an area of only 255 hectares
4
Q
What are the push factors for people wanting to move to cities?
A
- A lack of jobs
- Low wages
- Drought
- Poor prices for crops
5
Q
What are the pull factors for people wanting to move to cities?
A
- Better healthcare
- Better education
- Better jobs
6
Q
What are some effects of migration to people in the countryside?
A
- Brain drain (More educated people have left to the city)
- Gender imbalance (More women left behind looking for work)
7
Q
What are some of the problems the people of Kibera face?
A
- Crime is rife (widespread), vigilante groups offer protection at a price
- The police and law enforcement are reluctant to enter the slum
- However there is community spirit, homes are kept clean and residents welcome visitors
8
Q
What attempts have been made to improve Kenya?
A
Many charities have been taking action to help improve both the standard and quality of living for the people of Kibera:
- Practical Action, has been responsible for low cost roofing tiles that are cheaper providing a sturdy yet affordable building material
- The UN Human settlement has also provided affordable electricity to some parts of the slum at 300 shillings per shack
- The Red Cross have also been involved with some of the sanitation, both funding and overseeing the overall issue
