Visit Kibera Slums

For a half day, step into the fascinating and heartwarming universe of the Kibera slums in Nairobi, which shows you the harsh realities of life for people living in the city’s biggest slum. Inside this huge area filled with mud-and-plastic houses, you realize that the Kibera dwellers are proud people who praise the sense of community in the neighborhood. Discover ‘the hood’ with a guide, visit an orphanage, and get welcomed into the homes of the Kiberians. A special experience that makes you cherish your blessings!

Kibera is the largest informal settlement in Kenya and one of the biggest in Africa. It is located about 5 kilometers southwest of Nairobi’s city center. Below are the key details:

General Facts

• Location: Nairobi County, Kenya

• Size: About 2.5 square kilometers

• Population: Estimated between 250,000 and 400,000 residents (figures vary due to informal housing and lack of official census data)

• Language: Swahili and English

• Ethnic Groups: Mixed, mainly Luo, Luhya, Kamba, and Kikuyu

Living Conditions

• Most houses are made of mud walls, tin roofs, and dirt floors.

• The average home size is 10×10 feet, often shared by several people.

• Only about 20% of homes have electricity.

• Access to clean water is limited; residents buy water from vendors.

• Sanitation is poor, with many relying on shared toilets or makeshift “flying toilets.”

Economy

• Most residents work in informal jobs: small shops, food vending, construction, or domestic work.

• Many run microbusinesses such as barbershops, kiosks, tailoring, and phone charging stations.

• The average income is less than $2 per day.

Education and Health

• Dozens of community schools operate in Kibera, often run by NGOs or churches.

• Health services are limited, with a few government clinics and NGO-supported health centers.

• Common diseases include cholera, typhoid, malaria, and respiratory infections.

Infrastructure and Services

• Few paved roads; most are narrow dirt paths.

• Water and sanitation projects are supported by groups like UN-Habitat, WaterAid, and AMREF.

• NGOs also support women’s empowerment, education, and waste management programs.

Social and Cultural Life

• Despite hardship, Kibera has a strong sense of community.

• Youth groups, artists, and musicians are active in social change.

• The area has produced notable filmmakers, photographers, and activists.

Development Projects

• The government and partners have launched the Kenya Slum Upgrading Program (KENSUP) to improve housing and infrastructure.

• Other efforts include affordable housing relocation and solar power installations.