Understanding living conditions and deprivation in informal settlements of Kisumu, Kenya

Simiyu et al. (2019) published this paper in Urban Forum. The research aims to shed light on living conditions and deprivation in informal settlements of Kisumu, Kenya. As well as describing the living conditions in the settlements, the paper also sets out areas for improvement. Methods included using the living conditions framework and the multi-dimensional poverty index. Results indicated widespread deprivation at the individual and housing level, but the settlements have accessible public services such as school and health centres. Water, sanitation, solid waste disposal and other infrastructural services are lacking at the compound level; and where they do exist, they are often shared. The findings emphasise the importance of basic service provision, upgrading of housing and supporting of existing income-generation opportunities within the settlements.