Examining the obstacles to the integrated approach of slum upgrading : the case study of Kisumu, Kenya

Abstract

Kenya, in a similar fashion to the rest of the developing world, is experiencing rapid urbanization which is resulting in the formation of slum settlements on the outskirts of urban centres. Cities are growing at unprecedented rates, leaving the central government and local authorities to deal with the associated problems in a retrospective manner. Kisumu, the third largest municipality of Kenya, is one of nine African cities selected to undergo slum upgrading as part of the Cities Without Slums initiative. The initiative is positive as it engages a multiplicity of stakeholders in order to create ownership and increase sustainability. However, the CWS is in its infancy and is facing many obstacles in the early stages of execution. This researcher examines these obstacles and concludes that the integrated approach of slum upgrading, as is being promoted in the Kisumu context, is a viable urban management method despite the initial setbacks.