The government of Kenya has started the slum upgrading exercise. The exercise is to upgrade houses in slum area like Mathare and Kibera.
Being the largest slum in Kenya, Kibera has been given much attention by the government. A few permanent houses have been built along the roadside and in the interior by the National Youth Service NYS in collaboration with Kibera youths.
Speaking to this writer, residents say they are thankful to the government and pleaded for the exercise to continue.
“We are now happy at least I and my family will not have to move to one conner when it rains. Our house was leaking. We did not have money to rebuild another house. I am now settled,” said Jacob Likundi.
The constructed flats in Soweto now attract many people due to their beauty. Residents want the government to speed up the upgrading exercise so that they can be allowed to live in the houses. Many youths in the area have decided to engage in profit making businesses to get money to rent the houses.
Moses Akadaga who resides in Soweto said he wishes to be given one house among the many for him to be settled and start a family.