Strategy of Urbanization in livelihood securities is key in achieving
sustainable development. Urbanization is the process by which population’s
move from rural to urban areas leading to the growth of cities, housing and
economic opportunities, also existential threats of strain to existing resources and
lead to the rise of informal settlements, especially in low income areas. In our
contemporary world the rural urban migration escalate every year, with younger
generations finding urban settings more lucrative. The specific objectives are the
housing infrastructure; socio-economic factors; healthcare and policies in
livelihood securities in Kibra, Nairobi Kenya. The first objective was to assess
the impact of rapid urbanization on housing quality and basic infrastructure,
wherein Kibra there are high levels of overcrowding and accessing utilities. The
size of housing small and only 18% accepted that the was low quality material
used in examine the role of informal markets in supporting livelihoods in Kibra,
the informal markets have helped mostly goods become affordable as well as
services for the Kibra residents and some of the Kibra residents agree that
informal markets have also helped in boosting entrepreneurial opportunities, The
second objective to analyze the relationship between urbanization and housing
quality and basic infrastructure in Kibra, had a lot of employment challenges
with (54%) of the residents with no jobs, meagre income. Proper Roads,
hospitals, schools, electricity access is a challenge. Healthcare is an existential
challenge with most of the residents in poor health due to pollutants and no
proper sewerage, drainage, garbage disposal system. Economic challenges are
rampant in Kibra as residents face numerous risks, including job instability, low
income and limited access to credit, and exposure to environmental health
hazards. This condition has exacerbated inadequate public services, make it
difficult for residents to maintain steady incomes or improve their quality of life.
For example, frequent illness due to poor sanitation can cause residents to miss
work, affecting their income and ability to support families building houses.
53% of the residents in Kibra need and seek improvement, seek and need
sustainable development, economic empowerment and livelihood support
which in turn could enhance livelihood securities and improve the living
standards of the Kibra residents.