Rapid urbanization in developing countries has led to the proliferation of informal settlements,
posing significant socio-economic and environmental challenges. This study examined the socio-
economic and environmental conditions in Kibera, Nairobi one of Africa’s largest informal
settlements evaluated the effectiveness of existing urban planning policies and interventions, and
assessed the roles of various stakeholders in promoting sustainable development. The study
adopted a descriptive research design and utilized a sample of 384 residents, with 300
respondents returning valid questionnaires, yielding a response rate of 78%. Data were collected
through structured questionnaires incorporating both Likert scales and closed-ended questions.
The findings revealed that inadequate housing (20%), poor sanitation (17.8%), and
unemployment (16.7%) were the most pressing challenges faced by residents. While 60% of
respondents were aware of government or NGO-led development projects, barriers such as
corruption (55%), poor planning (46%), and lack of community input (40%) hindered the
success of these interventions. NGOs and community-based organizations emerged as the most
active stakeholders, whereas only 18% of respondents perceived significant government
involvement. Community participation in urban planning was notably low, with only 29% of
households reporting any involvement in planning meetings or forums, and just 22% felt their
views were considered in decision-making processes. The study underscores the urgent need for
inclusive, transparent, and community-centered urban planning approaches to address systemic
challenges and foster sustainable development in informal settlements like Kibera. These insights
contribute to policy formulation aimed at improving living conditions and advancing Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) related to sustainable cities and communities.