Life in Methare Valley: A Glimpse into Nairobi's Largest Informal Settlement

Join us on a journey to understand the daily realities of life in one of Africa's largest urban informal settlements, where hundreds of thousands of people face extraordinary challenges with remarkable resilience.

What is Methare Valley?

One of Nairobi's largest slums, where approximately 800,000 people live within less than one square mile of space.

Homes are typically constructed from metal sheets, cardboard, and whatever scrap materials residents can find.

The settlement features extremely narrow, winding paths that prevent emergency vehicle access, with no paved roads throughout the community.

Tough Living Conditions

Extreme Poverty

Most families survive on less than $1 per day, making it nearly impossible to escape the cycle of poverty.

Overcrowded Housing

Families of 6-8 people often share a single room measuring just 10x10 feet, with no privacy or personal space.

Lack of Basic Services

The settlement has no formal police or fire protection. When fires break out—which happens frequently due to illegal electrical connections—they can destroy hundreds of homes.

Scarcity of Clean Water and Food

Water Crisis

• Many residents walk over a mile to access water points

• Water often costs 5-10 times more than in wealthy neighborhoods

• Contamination leads to waterborne diseases

Food Insecurity

• Most families can only afford one meal per day

• Children frequently attend school hungry

• During COVID-19, thousands faced severe hunger

Sanitation Challenges

Limited Toilet Access

On average, one toilet serves 500-1,000 residents, creating long waits and unsanitary conditions.

Safety Concerns

Walking to toilets at night is dangerous, especially for women and children who risk assault when seeking facilities.

Health Impacts

"Flying toilets" (waste disposed in plastic bags) contaminate the environment and spread disease throughout the community.

Health Risks and Diseases

40%

HIV/AIDS Rate

Nearly half the adult population is affected, leaving many children orphaned

30%

Child Illness Rate

Children under 5 frequently suffer from preventable diseases like diarrhea and respiratory infections

35yrs

Life Expectancy

Residents have significantly shorter lives than Kenyans in wealthier neighborhoods

With limited access to healthcare facilities and inability to pay for treatment, many treatable conditions become life-threatening in Mathare Valley.

The Children of Methare Valley

Despite making up nearly 70,000 of Mathare's residents, children have access to only 3-4 public schools with limited capacity.

Many children work instead of attending school, collecting recyclables or selling small items to help support their families.

Yet amid these challenges, Mathare's children display incredible resilience—playing with homemade toys, forming strong friendships, and maintaining hope for better futures.

Education Gap

Less than 40% of children complete primary school

Child Labor

Many work from age 6 to help support their families

Remarkable Resilience

Children find joy despite extreme hardship

Community and Spirit Amid Poverty

Entrepreneurial Spirit

Small businesses line the narrow pathways—from food vendors and barber shops to recycling collectors and tailors, demonstrating remarkable creativity in finding ways to earn income.

Community Support

Neighbors look out for one another's children, share resources during hardships, and organize community clean-ups to improve their shared environment.

Local Organizations

Youth groups, women's collectives, and community-based organizations work to provide education, sanitation improvements, and skills training despite limited resources.

Why Should We Care?

Global Citizenship

Understanding challenges faced by communities like Mathare Valley helps us become more informed global citizens who recognize our shared humanity.

Perspective

Learning about Mathare gives us perspective on our own lives and privileges, fostering gratitude and compassion rather than taking basics for granted.

Shared Future

The challenges of urban poverty, sanitation, and inequality affect our shared planet and future—solutions require understanding and collaboration.

What Can We Do?

Take Action

Learn more about organizations working in Mathare Valley like Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) and Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA)

Share what you've learned with friends and family to raise awareness

Support fundraisers for clean water, education, or sanitation projects

Advocate for global poverty reduction and sanitation access

Remember: Small actions multiply when we work together!