Introducing Water in Kibera

I am interested in exploring issues related to water in Kibera in order to understand one part of the complex issue of clean water in Africa. I hope to explore a range of research and opinions that exist in the academic and non-academic spheres in order to shape my own view of the essence of this issue and how it truly exists.

In the academic article, “Scarce, costly, and uncertain: water access in Kibera, Nairobi,” Ben Crow of the University of California Santa Cruz and Edmond Odaba explore why access to water is so burdensome and uncertain in Kibera. Kibera is one of the largest urban slums in Africa, home to about 700,000 to one million people. Crow suggests that access to clean water is highly politicized in the informal settlement, or slum. He suggests three factors work together to limit access to water. First is the post-colonial Kenyan government does not see Kibera as a legitimate part of the country. I find that surprising considering a quarter of Kenya’s population lives here and it is clear that it poses a real problem for tackling issues for regulating who gets the water. That is connected to his second factor, which is unregulated landlords building on ground that isn’t necessarily theirs. Finally, he says this all connects to the third factor which is the prominence of gangs and cartels working with the city government. The argument Crow makes is complex, and I want to focus on one point he emphasizes which is the cost of water.

In class we discussed how the problem with access to clean water is not a result of lack of funds. When we spoke about the topic we were speaking generally about the governments being able to afford clean water for their countries. As Crow points out, it is problematic that Kibera is not legitimized by its government because that implies the Kenyan authorities do not regulate the water there. Prices for water vary based on how much water is available and who is controlling the water in Kibera. A 20-liter jerry can of water varies from K Sh 2-3 when there is a lot of water available to K Sh 5-10 when only a few vendors have water. Vendors can also take advantage of shortages to make huge profits. Finally, there are several middle men, who lay pipes, take bribes for connections, and charge tariffs who contribute to the high prices. Shortages are common and the pipes are difficult to maintain. It seems to me that small scale groundwater wells might be a more sustainable and affordable option in this case. Instead of depending on the Nairobi Water Company to provide a few lines for everyone, small groups could share a well to provide their water. Since the water is rationed in Kibera the individual well model would also help eliminate a tragedy of the commons effect, wherein one person can jeopardize the supply by taking too much. Right now there is one alternative to the pipes which is a single borehole in Kibera. While it provides an alternative for getting water, the opportunity cost to reach the borehole and bring water back to the home prevents women from engaging in many other activities. Next I want to explore the effects of water scarcity and lack of access to water in Kibera on women.

Crow, Ben; & Odaba, Edmond. (2009). Scarce, costly and uncertain: water access in Kibera, Nairobi. Center for Global, International and Regional Studies. UC Santa Cruz: Center for Global, International and Regional Studies. Retrieved from: http://escholarship.org/uc/item/8c10s316