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Cost of being a slum dweller in Nairobi: Living under dismal conditions but still paying a housing rent premium

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  • Talukdar, Debabrata

Abstract

The UN notes that the current global slum population of nearly one billion not only reflects “a rather unacceptable contemporary reality, but one whose numbers are continuously swelling.” Not surprisingly, its latest global development priorities, announced through its Sustainable Development Goals agenda in 2015, emphasize addressing the slum challenge in developing countries as a major goal. Our study focuses on gaining an in-depth understanding of the nature and extent of such slum challenge faced by Nairobi. Specifically, using data from a recent (2012–13) statistically representative survey, we conduct a systematic empirical analysis of the rental housing market conditions faced by households living in slum versus formal areas of Nairobi. Our analysis findings establish relevant benchmarking for key policy relevant measures against which to evaluate the efficacy of new policy initiatives.

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  • Talukdar, Debabrata, 2018. "Cost of being a slum dweller in Nairobi: Living under dismal conditions but still paying a housing rent premium," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 109(C), pages 42-56.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:109:y:2018:i:c:p:42-56
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2018.04.002
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    8. Joshi, Nupur & Gerlak, Andrea K. & Hannah, Corrie & Lopus, Sara & Krell, Natasha & Evans, Tom, 2023. "Water insecurity, housing tenure, and the role of informal water services in Nairobi’s slum settlements," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
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    12. Panman,Alexandra Patricia & Lozano Gracia,Nancy, 2021. "Making Room for Renters : Understanding and Supporting Rental Markets in the Global South — Evidence from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania," Policy Research Working Paper Series 9579, The World Bank.

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