Consultancy Study To Assess The Current State Of Housing In Mukuru Informal Settlement Located In Nairobi County At Habitat for Humanity

1.1 Habitat for Humanity Kenya.

Habitat for Humanity (HFH) Kenya, established in 1982, is a non-governmental organization and one of the 70 country affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), a nonprofit housing organization that helps low-income people around the world access decent housing. Our primary objective is to facilitate access to decent and affordable shelter for low-income families. Over the past 40 years, HFH Kenya have supported more than 500,000 families across 13 counties through various interventions touching on community led development, financial inclusion and disaster risk and reduction programs. We are currently operating in Nairobi, Laikipia, Homabay, Kisumu, Tana River and Machakos.

1.2 Rationale of the Study

HFH Kenya recognizes the growth of Kenya’s population, currently at about 55 million, has contributed to the country’s inadequate supply of new housing units. The annual housing demand is 250,000 units with an estimated supply of 50,000 units, culminating in a housing deficit of 2 million units, or 80% deficit. The proportion of the total population living below the international poverty line is 29.4%, with an unemployment rate of 5.5%, according to the World Bank. Housing affordability is a major challenge in Kenya, and many people cannot afford to buy or build their own home. About 6.4 million people from Kenya’s urban population live in informal settlements, while an estimated 60% of the capital city Nairobi’s residents live in the informal settlements. The problem is characterized by poor quality housing and a lack of basic services, such as access to water and sanitation. HFH Kenya support county government policymakers to promote policies, laws and systems and practices that advance access to adequate and affordable improved housing conditions and living standards and ensure that we can drive a positive change at all levels, including counties and communities,

The Mukuru informal settlement is home to a significant population living in substandard housing conditions. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the housing situation in Mukuru, identify key challenges faced by residents, and recommend feasible solutions to address these challenges. By assessing the state of housing in Mukuru, stakeholders can develop informed policies and interventions to improve living conditions and promote sustainable urban development.

1.3 About the Assignment.

HFH Kenya is currently implementing “Home Equals Campaign Project” a global initiative aimed at achieving policy change to ensure equitable access to adequate, decent, and affordable housing, basic services for those living in informal settlements and secure land tenure.

The Home Equals campaign seeks to promote empowered participation by stakeholders, create awareness on adequate housing and land rights, and influence policy changes at levels of governance. It is in this regard that HFH Kenya intends to conduct a study that aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the housing situation in Mukuru, identify key challenges faced by residents, and recommend feasible solutions to address these challenges.

1.4 Purpose of the Study.

The purpose of this consultancy is to assess the current state of housing in the Mukuru informal settlement against other slums in Nairobi County. Mukuru informal settlement faces various challenges related to housing, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of basic services, and poor living conditions. Understanding the existing situation is crucial to inform the interventions aimed at improving housing conditions and addressing these issues is essential for promoting the health, safety, and dignity of Mukuru residents.

1. SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant will be expected to conduct a desk review and examine relevant available secondary documentation including existing housing policies on the state of Housing in informal settlement and most preferably in Mukuru Informal Settlement. The study will include assessing the current state of housing in the Mukuru informal settlement against other slums in Nairobi County to identify patterns, trends, and disparities in living conditions and infrastructure that can provide valuable insights into the unique challenges and needs of Mukuru. It will explore all the critical areas involved in housing including basic services. This includes gathering primary data through surveys and interviews with residents, analyzing the current housing supply and basic services, as well as identifying challenges and opportunities for improvement. This may also include engaging stakeholders such as local authorities, NGOs, and community members for understanding perspectives and ensuring the study’s relevance and effectiveness.

1. OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The main objective of this consultancy is to provide evidence-based insights and recommendations on the current state of housing in Mukuru to inform policy and decision-making processes aimed at improving housing conditions in the Mukuru informal settlement. The goal is to contribute to the creation of sustainable and inclusive urban environments that ensure dignified living conditions for all residents.

1. Specific Objectives.
2. Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current state of housing provision and infrastructure in Mukuru, including housing supply, access to basic services, and identify key challenges and gaps in related (but not limited) to land tenure, informal settlements regularization, and inadequate infrastructure.
3. Comparative analysis of the state of housing in Mukuru against other informal settlements in Nairobi and similar contexts to identify best practices, lessons learned, and areas for improvement.
4. Analysis of the socio-economic factors influencing housing conditions in Mukuru, such as income levels, employment opportunities, access to education and healthcare, and social dynamics within the community.
5. Community Engagement and Needs Assessment to understand the stakeholders’ perspectives, needs, and priorities regarding housing and living conditions in Mukuru.
6. Develop evidence-based recommendations and policy options to address housing challenges in Mukuru, considering the principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and dignity.

4. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

4.1 The consultant will:

1. Conduct a thorough assessment of housing conditions in Mukuru, including the quality of housing structures, access to basic services (water, sanitation, electricity), and infrastructure.
2. Assess the current state of housing in Mukuru against other slums in Nairobi to identify key trends and disparities that can provide valuable insights into the unique challenges & needs of Mukuru.
3. Identify key challenges and constraints faced by residents in accessing adequate and affordable housing.
4. Analyze existing policies, programs, and initiatives related to housing in Mukuru and assess their effectiveness in addressing housing issues.
5. Engage with stakeholders, including community members, local authorities, NGOs, and other relevant organizations, to gather insights and perspectives on housing challenges and potential solutions.
6. Develop a comprehensive report outlining findings, recommendations, and actionable strategies for improving housing conditions in Mukuru.
7. Invite the identified stakeholders to a validation meeting planned by HFH Kenya.
8. Produce a comprehensive final report incorporating feedback from the validation meeting with key recommendations.
9. Disseminate the final report to the key stakeholders including community members, representatives of the CSOs and duty bearers.

4.2 Habitat for Humanity Kenya will:

1. Provide all necessary logistics for the assignment like letters of introduction where necessary.
2. Provide all relevant documents that may be required by the consultant.
3. Organize validation meeting.

5. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

(Activity-expected output-duration)

• Preparatory meetings –Clear Work plan– 1 day
• Desk review –Draft Report – 3 days
• Field Interviews — Draft Report – 4 days
• Report writing and review- Draft Report – 2 days
• Presentation of findings to HFH Kenya for review and comments– Detailed Report- 1 day
• Validation of the findings and recommendations with relevant stakeholders. — Validation report -with clear recommendations. – 1 day
• Activity report writing and presentation – Final Activity report – 1 day
• Dissemination of the final report with various stakeholders i.e. community, CSOs & Duty bearers, – Commitments & Action plan – 1 day

1. QUALIFICATIONS

The suitable Consultant/s must have the following:

• A degree or its equivalent in social sciences, Social Work, Development Studies, Community Development, Sociology, Gender/Women Studies, or related field.
• Experience in conducting research and assessments related to urban development, housing, and informal settlements.
• Knowledge of the socio-economic and political context of Nairobi County, particularly in relation to informal settlements.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences.
• Experience working with government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organizations in the field of housing and urban development.
• Fluency in English and Swahili, both written and spoken, is highly desirable.

Duration of Assignment: 14 days

How to apply

1. APPLICATION PROCESS

The application is open to individual consultants or firms. Applicants must provide:

1. A proposal clearly showing the following:
   1. Approach and methodology for meeting the objectives of this assignment.
   2. Proposed Number of days it would take to complete this assignment.
   3. Financial proposition showing all the expenses, inclusive of 5% withholding Tax.
2. A detailed CV and professional background relevant to the assignment
3. Firms are required to provide their company profile.

Applications should be submitted to:

The Procurement Chair

Habitat for Humanity Kenya,

CVS Plaza, Kasuku Lane, Nairobi, Kenya

Office: +254 717 454 380 • 020 2572812

Email: procurement@hfhkenya.org Cc administration@hfhkenya.org