Kenya: Nairobi's Largest Informal Settlement Is Getting an Upgrade. but Who Will Actually Benefit From New Apartments?

Construction crews and bulldozers are currently reshaping sections of Kibera, Nairobi’s largest informal settlement, as part of an ongoing urban upgrade project. The initiative involves the development of new apartment blocks, which are being built directly alongside the area’s existing corrugated-iron structures. President William Ruto has highlighted the progress of this development through official media channels.

The project represents a significant shift in the landscape of the settlement, though it has prompted questions regarding the long-term impact on the local population. While the construction aims to modernize housing in the area, the transition from informal dwellings to new apartment units has raised concerns among observers about who will ultimately benefit from the new infrastructure and whether current residents will be able to access the upgraded living spaces.