Assesment of poverty reduction strategies in Kenya Urban areas

Abstract

Poverty has often been seen as a purely rural problem but for many developing countries, the pervasive nature of urban poverty constitutes an enormous challenge for policy makers and in development efforts. Poverty reduction tools and approaches that have been developed for rural poverty reduction cannot be replicated in urban areas because urban poverty is different in nature from rural poverty hence, understanding the nature of urban poverty as well as having accurate data that presents its dynamics, trends and conditions is vital. Kibera slum is one of the largest slums located in Nairobi County. It consists of poor people majority of whom are unemployed resulting from lack of adequate poverty reduction strategies. This research focused on the assessment of poverty reduction strategies in Kenyan urban areas effect, causes of poverty, challenges facing poverty reduction interventions in Kibera Slum and recommended some comprehensive poverty reduction strategies. The study employed a survey design targeting 50 households which were systematically selected at a confidence level of 95%.Data collected was then analyzed through SPSS (version 12) and presented inform of graphs, tables, texts and photographs. The challenges facing poverty reduction included: inadequate housing and environmental services, lack of clear and secure tenure, informality, inadequate information, high levels of insecurity and high unemployment rates. Recommended poverty reduction strategies included: formulating clear and consistent city/town development strategies, revision of tenure security and property rights, empowering vulnerable households and disadvantaged groups, expanding microfinance, credit systems and income generating activities in Kibera slum, improving social infrastructure, shelter and physical infrastructure and capacity building.