How to make housing affordable to those with very low incomes
Mathare Slums. Data shows that more than 70 per cent of Nairobi residents live in slums. This is surprising, considering that housing is the bedrock of any strong economy. PHOTO | DENNIS ONSONGO
What you need to know:
Data shows that more than 70 per cent of Nairobi residents live in slums. This is surprising, considering that housing is the bedrock of any strong economy.
Having citizens access good housing has a multiplier effect with the potential to create employment, promote livelihoods and contribute to the country’s economic transformation.
The government can draw up forward-looking policies that create solutions favouring the poor, an example being zoning, that is, the way the government controls the physical development of land and the kinds of uses to which particular areas may be put.
At the centre of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is Goal Number 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
According to UN Habitat, the key target of Goal 11 is to ensure that all people access adequate, safe and affordable housing. However, data shows that more than 70 per cent of Nairobi residents live in slums. This is surprising, considering that housing is the bedrock of any strong economy. Having citizens access good housing has a multiplier effect with the potential to create employment, promote livelihoods and contribute to the country’s economic transformation.
