We work in Kibera, a vast slum in Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi. It’s unclear just how many people live in Kibera but estimate’s range from 170,000 to 500,000 people living in just 2.25 square kilometres. That’s about the size of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens in London.
Residents often live in cramped one-roomed homes mostly made of mud and iron sheets. Water is collected in jerry cans from water points dotted around the slum. There are no public schools, hospitals or clinics in Kibera though there are many run by community members and NGOs. A good number of homes have access to electricity but many rely on paraffin lamps for lighting.
Kibera is a lively place to be. As you walk around you hear music blaring, the sound of men and women at work, friends and neighbours talking, business-people selling their wares, children giggling and playing. Life is hard for many in Kibera but many face those challenges with ingenuity and strength of character. Kibera is a place of great potential.
This is the context where we work to provide opportunities for children and families to achieve their full God-given potential.
