Slum digitisation, its opponents and allies in developing smart cities: The case of kibera, nairobi

Abstract

This chapter explores how emerging information and communication technologies (ICT) and geographic information systems (GIS) can be used to map informal settlements, and by openly providing spatial maps, lead to improved conditions for people living in slums. Furthermore the chapter demonstrates that ICTs and GIS can prompt policymakers to apply much-needed changes of urban renewal, by helping those living in informal settlements to identify the slum assets that are essential to their livelihood and to ensure their own security. An inductive qualitative case study approach is used in the Kibera slums of Nairobi to develop theoretical explanations of the patterns that emerged. The findings show that, whereas slums have complex situations, increased transparency from open mapping can provide a platform for sustainable renewal.