By Lillian Onyango- DevReporter, Nairobi County
Radio Baraza sought to find out what Kibera residents would say about elections promises made to them over the years. It would appear that nothing has changed in the last ten years, for the passageways are still narrow and steep. The houses are still made of the same old weak materials and the population is still overcrowded.
“We were promised free education, institutions for students who have not done well in exams and the like, but up to now no such institution has been built here,” said Vivian a resident in Kibera.
A promise to build permanent houses for Kibera residents is yet to be fulfilled. Only a small section, the Raila estate, was built. But even those were not given to the Kibera residents.
“I still remember how the selection of people who were to stay in those houses was done. It was such a corrupt exercise. I was to get a room as well, but they didn’t give it to me, “said Agnes Nasimiyu a mother of three.
According to Agnes, even when one’s name was listed as a recipient of a house, one still had to bribe someone who was issuing the houses in order to get it.
“The people who gave out bribes and got allocated the houses were not from Kibera. They are from other estates. Even if there were some people from Kibera, they are few.
“We were promised fairness when issuing bursaries, but corruption still existed and only people known to people giving out the bursaries, got them,” Said another resident.
“If they want to do something for us this time let them fulfill on the promises they first made to us,” said another resident who only identified himself as Steve.
It is a good thing that most people in Kibera can now access clean water and sanitation. But the place is still wanting. A promise to build permanent houses for them is yet to be realized. Will this promise be fulfilled this time round?
