To investigate factors influencing implementation of upgrading project within Kibera slum in Nairobi Kenya

Abstract

Slum upgrading has been a c;oncem to the Kenyan govemment and this led to the establishment of the Kenya Slum Upgrading Programme (KENSUP) in 2000. It is the body involved in the upgrading process and constitute several govemment institutions and the UN-HABITAT. This study sought to establish the factors influencing the implementation of slum upgrading projects in Kibera slum Nairobi. An implementation plan is a management tool for a specific project set out to achieve a specific outcome designed to assist agencies to manage and monitor implementation effectively. This study will look at the effect of planning to the implementation of upgrading projects. Due to the complex nature of slums, implementation plans should be carefully designed to ascertain achievement of the expected outcome. This study has established the role of funding in the implementation process. An investigation to the level of resource commitment has helped ascertain the effect on planning and whether sufficient funds are allocated to enhance the process. The success of a project also depends on top management support and commitment to the project. Donor and govemment commitment to the upgrading process was investigated and the effect to the realisation of the deliverables. Community participation is an integral component to the success of any community based project. Similarly, the community in Kibera slum should be involved in all the phases of the project to ensure success of the project. This study will investigate on the level of participation of the residents in the implementation process. A project is carried out within a stipulated time and at a specific period in time. Project duration and timing will be established and how effectively it is addressed in Kibera slum upgrading process. Two groups were sampled for data collection in this study. Twelve (12) KENSUP project officers based at the programme's offices in Nairobi was the first group. Fifty (50) slum residents who own businesses, five from each of the ten villages were also interviewed. Two questionnaires were designed and utili sed to collect the data which was analysed and the findings used to draw conclusions, suggestions and recommendations. The residents sampled had basic education with 48%, 30%, 20% and 2% having completed secondary, with post secondary education, some secondary education and upper primary education respectively. The length of time lived in Kibera is indirectly related to the number of residents with 90% having lived in the slum between one and five years and only 10% between 11 and 20 years. The average household size is 3 to 8 members with 44% and 1 to 2 members 56%. The study revealed congestion as the major housing problem with a score of 63%. There was awareness of government and donor support inform of funding with 80% residents and 83% KENSUP officials disagreeing to the funding sufficiency. Community participation was minimal and the residents sampled said that they do take personal initiative to upgrade the settlement. KENSUP project officers revealed that only 67% of the planned projects are successfully implemented and only to 75% completion level. The study recommended increased community participation in all the stages to ensure project success and sustainability. The govemment should increase the level of support by allocating more funds to the process. The planning stage should be given sufficient attention and extensive studies conducted. The ·land ownership structure should be reformed and the government through the various ministries concemed and the local authority formulate policies to improve the provision of basic services such as waste management and sewerage and water services.