Our thematic programmes
Systemic exclusion – rather than a lack of policies or state commitment – is a key driver of socio-economic inequities in urban and peri-urban contexts.. Simply put, urban planning approaches that aim to “upgrade” informal settlements without taking into account the underlying conditions that allow a “poverty penalty” to persist cannot address this gap.
Building on methodologies developed as part of our two longstanding flagship projects, we work with local communities to develop a deep understanding of these underlying dynamics and co-design affordable, inclusive and sustainable solutions to identified challenges.
Our programmes are structured around the following three thematic clusters.
Over the years the government and civil society’s response to the deplorable living conditions in Mukuru and other informal settlements in Nairobi has been to carry out reactive, and primarily short-term, projects. This “band aid” approach has turned a blind eye to deeper structural issues, such as the service cartels, that charge poor residents higher rates for poorer quality services than the rest of the city. how gaps in policy and practice had created opportunities for cartels that employed informal mechanisms and violence to undermine the legitimacy of state provided services, putting them beyond the reach of those living in informal settlements. The exorbitantly high price of services amounts to a “poverty penalty” for essential services. AMT research has revealed, for example, that compared to residents living in adjacent formal estates, the residents of Mukuru informal settlement pay 172.72% more for limited, and often unsanitary, water services. Moreover, residents pay an average of US$25 in monthly rent for 10 x 10 foot shack with little or no access to piped water, electricity, sanitation, roads and other basic services. AMT and its partners are supporting local communities to engage directly with authorities to demand their rights to these services and explore how to redirect the “poverty penalty” into tangible local services addressing the needs of the poorest residents.
Our Thematic Programmes
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With a youth population of nearly 10 million, Kenya is currently experiencing a “youth bulge” (defined as a situation where at least 20% of a country’s population is between the ages of 15 to 24). Moreover, up to 80% of this segment is unemployed or underployed, resulting in a large disenchanted population that is especially susceptible to human trafficking, sexual abuse or recruitment into organized militia.
Yet, multiple government initiatives exist to foster youth entrepreneurship and non-formal livelihood opportunities. In its effort to link informal residents and especially youth to financing, AMT works closely with community-based groups and associations to co-design innovative technical and financial solutions that address the unique challenges facing low-income inhabitants of informal settlements. Additionally, AMT provides long-term support to youth groups and other community associations to strengthen their financial literacy and build well-governed associations. This in turn helps inspire confidence in both public and private financial institutions as a basis for lending the capital required.
Our Thematic Programmes
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While neighbourhood associations are ubiquitous in both high- and middle-income areas of Nairobi, hardly any associations exist in informal settlements. Here the main social organizational form is the self-help group focusing on members’ welfare and income needs, especially during times of crisis such as death or illness. Self-help groups ordinarily have a small membership, of less than 30 people. Members of these groups do not necessarily reside or conduct their business in the same area and consequently, neighbourhood concerns are rarely prioritized.
The aim of AMT’s social mobilization strategy therefore, is to explore organizational forms that can bring the residents of a given area together by building a strong sense of affiliation among them. Neighbourhood associations, and cooperatives with their ability to marshal groupings with diverse interests, e.g. tenants and landlords, while engendering a certain unity of purpose are ideal for this purpose.
Our Thematic Programmes
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