Even in seemingly hopeless places, some people maintain enthusiasm and don't give up. I met some of such people in Africa's largest informal urban settlement of Kibra (aka Kibera).
Sun Valley Art Collective led by Saviour Juma is a growing community of artists who work to empower the new generation.
Kibra is one of the largest informal settlements, or slums (locals don't like this term), in Nairobi, Kenya, and is often described as the largest in Africa. Located just a few kilometres southwest of Nairobi’s city centre, Kibra is home to an estimated 250,000 to 1 million people, though exact population figures are difficult to determine due to the informal nature of the settlement.
Kibra's origins trace back to the early 20th century, during the British colonial period. The area was initially settled by Nubian soldiers who had served in the British army. These soldiers were given land as a reward for their service, and they named the area "Kibra," which means "forest" in the Nubian language.
Hard to believe that there was a forest here once. Over time, people from various ethnic backgrounds and regions of Kenya migrated to Kibera in search of work in Nairobi, leading to its rapid expansion. Locals report that new faces appear as neighbours every day.
The living conditions in Kibra are challenging. The settlement lacks basic infrastructure such as clean water and sanitation. Most homes are small, makeshift structures made of mud, corrugated iron, and other scavenged materials. Access to clean water is limited, with many residents relying on water vendors or communal taps, which often leads to high water costs. Sanitation facilities are also inadequate, with many residents using shared pit latrines, some of which are in poor condition. In some places, the only option is to poop into a plastic bag and discard it in a nearby trash pile.
Despite all this, Kibra is a vibrant community with a rich cultural life, with social networks and support systems that help people navigate the challenges of daily life. Music, dance, and art are integral parts of Kibra’s culture.
This is a place of contrasts marked by extreme poverty and hardship, but also by resilience and creativity.
Below, I am sharing some pictures I took during the visit. When you book a tour with the Sun Valley community, you are supporting local art classes. These guys are up to something wonderful in a place where many would lose hope. You can book here.
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