The ongoing redevelopment of Kibra, one of Nairobi’s most iconic informal settlements, is being framed as a bold and necessary step toward correcting historical inequities. According to Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga, the transformation initiative is more than just an infrastructure upgrade it is a structural correction of past injustices that marginalized entire generations.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), PS Hinga emphasized that for decades, Kibra residents have endured life without basic urban amenities such as secure land tenure, decent housing, or reliable infrastructure. “For generations, families in Kibra lived without security of tenure, reliable infrastructure or access to decent housing. The current redevelopment is a structural correction of past injustices,” he said.
The PS further noted that the redevelopment project signifies a broader reimagining of Nairobi’s urban future one that includes, rather than sidelines, historically neglected communities. “For Nairobi, the transformation of Kibra is equally a significant move. It marks a reimagining of the urban landscape, where previously invisible communities are being brought into the heart of the City’s growth agenda,” Hinga added.
The government’s Affordable Housing Programme, under which the Kibra redevelopment falls, aims to create inclusive urban environments that provide dignity and opportunity for all citizens. The initiative includes the construction of modern housing units, improved roads, sanitation systems, and public amenities such as schools and healthcare facilities.
While the plan has drawn mixed reactions, with some residents raising concerns about displacement and affordability, government officials have assured stakeholders that the project is being implemented with community engagement at its core.
PS Hinga’s remarks highlight the government’s intent to bridge the gap between informal settlements and formal city planning a longstanding challenge in Kenya’s urban development.
As the first phases of the Kibra redevelopment project unfold, all eyes remain on whether the promise of inclusion, dignity, and justice for long-neglected populations will be fully realized in this ambitious urban renewal effort.
