In 2006, the Kibera Park site was a high-risk flood zone, typically used as a dumping site, and notorious for crime. Residents living near the site had limited access to sanitation, clean water, or other community amenities, and felt very unsafe.

From 2007-2009 residents worked with KDI to design and build the first purpose-built public space in Kibera.  The site was originally home to a shade pavilion and amphitheater, a playground, a clean water tap, a small community office surrounded by a garden, and tree-shaded seating areas.

Over the years the site has matured and grown. Today it also includes a sanitation center with toilets and showers, a greenhouse, and a bio-fueled community cooker. The site is operated and managed by the New Nairobi Dam Community (NNDC) group, our resident partners on the project. NNDC also hosts many income-generating activities at the site including a savings and loan program, a women’s basket and craft cooperative, and a composting business.

KPSP01 was created through KDI’s 5-phase community design process and, like all of the KPSP projects, is structured such that the programs and facilities at the site generate enough income to cover ongoing maintenance and operations as the site, ensuring that the site is financially and operationally self-sufficient.

In terms of construction, the downstream location of KPSP01 meant that a lot of flood mitigation was required to ensure the site’s stability and longevity. To achieve this KDI installed gabions and a bamboo plantation.

Since its launch in 2007, Kibera park has become a landmark in the community. It has opened up new access routes through the settlement, inspired other public space projects, and received visitors from around the globe.

Over the years KPSP01 has faced several threats from encroaching nearby projects. Nonetheless, the core components of the site continue to serve the Kibera community today.

You can hear more about KPSP01 from NNDC group members in this video.