Assessment of the outcomes of innovative construction technologies in slum upgrading: A case of Mathare Valley, Nairobi

Abstract

Affordable housing was one of the four pillars of Kenya’s big four agenda of 2018. Rapid rural-urban migration and the high cost of formal housing units have led to the proliferation of informal settlements commonly referred to as slums. Provision of decent housing is still a challenge in Kenya due to continuous population growth and high demand for low cost housing. The aim of this paper was to assess the outcomes of innovative construction in housing in slum upgrading in Mathare valley. Post-occupancy survey approach was used to establish existing technological challenges on the walls, roof and floors of the upgraded units. Structured questionnaires were administered to the slum residents. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data and results were presented in tables. Results indicated that the upgrade improved the houses structural envelope of walls, floors and roofs. The respondent’s perception of the scheme in terms of quality and acceptability was significant though deterioration of the structural envelope with time was evident. The upgrade improved the physical infrastructure and livelihoods as compared to the previous situation characterized by poor sanitation, degradable roofs, and walls and inadequate of social amenities. The relationships between residents were improved as compared to the previous situation. Better communal facilities such as roads, drainage and toilets were realized. The previous houses were made of assorted degradable materials which were substituted with fairly permanent elements during the upgrade. In conclusion, innovative construction technologies improved the social, economic and physical aspects of the project but certain aspects remained unchanged. The innovative construction method should focus on pro-poor approaches like improvement of the existing structures in lieu of demolition. The residents should be involved in assessing and determining their needs to ensure construction of houses suits their interests. Effective monitoring is critical to avoid displacement and minimize political interference and corruption.