Effects of Slum Electrification on Socio-Economic Growth of Households’ in Kibera Slum Nairobi City County, Kenya
Loading...
Date
2023
Authors
Mwanza, Juvenalis
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Slums are a global phenomenon, existing in almost every country. They are characterized by poor housing quality, insecure residential status, overcrowding, and inadequate access to sanitation, electricity, safe water, and other infrastructural services. NGOs and governments invest in slums to enhance human well-being through projects like Slum Electrification. However, empirical evidence is needed to support the idea that slum projects have an effect on human well-being. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of slum electrification on households' socioeconomic growth in Kibera slum. The specific objectives were: to establish trends and patterns of distribution of electricity and socio-economic growth in Kibera slum, to assess the household and community uses of electricity and socio-economic growth in Kibera slum, to establish the effect of slum electrification on economic growth in Kibera slum and to determine the effect of slum electrification on social growth in Kibera slum. The study was guided by empowerment theory and employed a descriptive survey research design. The targeted population was 200,000 residents of Kibera slum who had lived there for over five years. The study used purposive sampling techniques to sample the required sample size of 384 household heads from the 13 villages of Kibera slum. A semi-structured questionnaire with both closed-ended and open-ended questions was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data, while GPS devices collected spatial data. Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively and inferentially, where Chi-square tested the hypothesis. Spatial explicit data on electricity mapping was analyzed using an overlay function in ARCGIS. Qualitative data was analyzed using themes and categories reported by the respondents. From the findings, the majority of households connected to grid power use it mainly for lighting and low-power-consuming appliances like radios and televisions, rather than higher consumers like refrigerators and cookers. Most residents reported direct economic impacts on their businesses, including increased operating hours, reduced operation and labor costs, introduction of new services due to value addition, business expansion, increased production, and hence more profits. The study further shows that residents reported improvements in many aspects, including education, health, and security. They cited more time for their children to study and do assignments, increased awareness and knowledge sources due to the rise in the use of computers, televisions, and radios. They also cited increased operating hours for health facilities, use of modern medical equipment, proper storage of medicine, and increased safety for slum locals due to street lighting. The study recommends that Kenya Power and Lighting Company as well as the Nairobi City County should ensure equitable distribution of electricity across all areas of the slum, including interior regions that are currently underserved. Second, residents of Kibera slum should promote energy-efficient appliances. Non-Governmental Organizations should educate residents about the benefits of using energy-efficient devices and provide information about available options. Third, Nairobi City County should put in place such factors not limited to accessibility to tools and machines for productive applications, availability low interest financial services and credits, skilled workforce required for both business management, market for their products and services.
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted to the School of Humanities and Social Science in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of the Degree of Master of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning of Kenyatta University, October, 2023.
Keywords
Effects, Slum Electrification, Socio-Economic Growth, Households, Kibera Slum, Nairobi City County, Kenya