Kuku on the roof…

Not particularly known for their aeronautical prowess, kuku might well have preferred to keep her feet firmly closer to ground level, although spare bare earth has become a district rarity. Constrained by the sewer laden streams and civic boundaries, even informal shacks are obliged to extend skywards. Second levels of precarious development are becoming common place to meet demand, sending the population density to eye watering levels and adding a further strain to non-existent utilities, whilst maximising the rental Kenyan shilling.

Around the perimeter the government is selling land leases to the casual developers who concrete build four to five story apartment blocks. Although rudimentary in construction they are a considerable improvement to the mud, stick and tin of the informal shacks in the valley. Sadly the rental demands are beyond the reach of most Kibera residents.

Kuku however gains a whole new vista from her new residential platform five stories up.

 Kuku: Poultry, (Usually chicken)

These writings are inspired and penned whilst in the field working with our friends who live and work in Kibera and it is hoped that they bring insight, understanding and a provocation that the status-quo is unacceptable. Please feel free to unsubscribe or share as appropriate. Any opinions implied or expressed are my own and names may have been changed for the sake of privacy.