The sprawling informal settlements associated with mega cities in developing economies by their very nature pay little attention to government regulation or planning requirements. They do however, regimentally and consistently conform to geographical paradigms and theory with alarming accuracy and character. Burgeoning developing capital cites require a minimal cost and a flexible labour force; lotsContinue reading “Bridging the Rains…”
Author Archives: daveboni
Is Anyone Listening?…
By any standards Solent NHS Trust’s well respected and beautifully crafted Emotional First Aid (Peer Mentoring) programme is a winner. Balanced and interactive sessions with clear learning outcomes, supported by graphically perfected designer teaching materials in a comfortable and safe training environment; the course allows the learner to inwardly explore, develop, progress and reach outContinue reading “Is Anyone Listening?…”
Testwood School Ask the Questions…
Testwood School asking the questions… Click on the link above. Testwood School’s year 10s asks some awkward questions about life on Kibera…
Hi-Lights…
More often than not it the simpler solutions that are the most effective. Kibera is at best notorious for unchecked levels of crime both petty and serious. The installation of ultra-high panoramic lighting stands illuminating some of the more troubled areas have had significant effects on the daily life of Kibera’s bustling residents. Both inContinue reading “Hi-Lights…”
Minding Your Own…
It is difficult to believe that only 18 months have passed since the inception and introduction of the micro enterprise development to the Kianda district of Kibera. The mere mention of the possibility of manageable short term loans to the shadows that the banks would never entertain, produced an avalanche of interest; not all ofContinue reading “Minding Your Own…”
Schooling From the Skies…
Launching a fledgling primary school from scratch on the edge of Kibera is no mean feat. From tiny beginnings residing in the corner of ICA’s community centre with volunteer staff and virtually no equipment; Demand for places at Hope School has rapidly outpaced physical capacity. Entirely unconnected, Emirates Airlines had sponsored the construction of aContinue reading “Schooling From the Skies…”
Green Screen…
The Chinese invasion of low-cost smart phones into Kibera has reached near saturation point for the under thirties. The insatiable appetite for social media and instant chat has had little effect on the more traditional forms of communication. Competing music can be heard pounding the sinews of elderly part functioning speaker stacks daily. Local radioContinue reading “Green Screen…”
Boda Boda…
Nairobi’s peak traffic inflicts pollution levels that are civically unmeasured. A choking blanket of acrid fumes exude from the numerous elderly and poorly maintained matutu; essential to move the thousands of workers around the metropolis. When the arterial routes inevitable grind to a halt, journey times can extend from twenty minutes to several hours, whilstContinue reading “Boda Boda…”
Dance School…
Navigating the narrow dark alleyways of the Kianda area of Kibera as an alien is nigh on impossible without a local guide and some form of security. Informal settlements are just that, land space is at a premium and planning is a luxury. The rough and often steep alleyways double up as refuse repositories andContinue reading “Dance School…”
Election Re-Runs…
Elections fever runs high in Nairobi and although only around twenty percent of the Kibera residents are registered to vote it is inevitable that there that there is an overflow of frustration into the dark and narrow alleyways. On the wider tracks open back trucks loaded with oversized public address systems that could shame Wembley,Continue reading “Election Re-Runs…”