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Communities in informal settlements face interconnected risks from natural hazards, socio-economic vulnerabilities, and inequitable urban planning. This study focuses on Kaptembwa, Nakuru, Kenya, to address gaps in understanding these risks and explore the potential of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in fostering equitable urban development.
Stima Line, which was one of the common outdoor spaces that local residents avoided due to pipelines and other infrastructure in the area and perceived unsafety.
Photo: SEI
The study responds to the research gaps related to the planning required for equitable outcomes of urban planning in informal settlements within the low- and middle-income countries context. Based on a case study from an informal settlement within Nakuru, Kenya, this study highlights the complexity of the risks faced by community members and emphasises the importance of participatory approaches in addressing these risks and related challenges.
Through the use of reiterative participatory activities with both residents and other stakeholders, we identified intersecting social, economic and environmentally related vulnerabilities that residents in informal settlements face, including water scarcity, flooding, personal insecurity and unemployment. Our study highlights the emerging nature of heat-stress and the need for further research on vulnerability to heat stress.
Our findings underscore the need for equitable planning processes, particularly in implementing nature-based solutions, which can address community-specific risks while promoting social, economic, and environmental benefits.
The participatory process demonstrated the value of integrating resident perspectives early in urban planning and NbS development in order to gain a shared understanding of resident perspectives, needs, and how they relate to risks. It also highlighted the need for broader engagement with diverse stakeholders, including experts in ecology and planning, to ensure NbS are both practical, contextually relevant, and ecologically effective to provide the relevant ecosystem services. However, this study also reveals systemic barriers, such as inequitable planning practices, limited resources, and the complex interplay of informality and formal governance, which require transformative approaches to achieve meaningful change. Its conclusions can be considered relevant to cities across sub-Saharan Africa.
Initiative / This initiative investigates how rapidly growing cities affect residents' wellbeing and how this interacts with the overall health of city systems.
Feature / Residents of Nairobi's informal settlements are working with SEI and Resilient Planet Initiative partners to develop an app to aid climate adaptation efforts.
Past event / SEI, UNEP and ANMRA will host a celebratory event to highlight the benefits of sustainable waste management for addressing environmental pollution.
SEI report / This SEI report examines issues that must be addressed to foster community-led initiatives to plan, maintain, restore and expand urban nature spaces.
