Kibera: The Biggest Slum in Africa?

Abstract

This article presents the findings of the estimated population of Kibera, often said to be the “biggest slum in Africa.” This estimation was done in 2009 by the French Institute for Research in Africa (IFRA) in Nairobi and Keyobs, a Belgian company, using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) methodology and a ground survey. The results showed that there are 200,000 residents, instead of the 700,000 to 1 million figures which are often quoted. The 2009 census and statistics on Kibera’s population also confirmed that the those findings were accurate.