Description
The United Nations has set a goal to eradicate poverty by 2030. In order to reach the goal, the development field must implement programs that are effective. Human-centered programs are identified as most effective and ethical in poverty reduction, yet the poorest of the poor are often not the target of large funded programs. Their communities are sometimes difficult to serve logistically. The population of Nairobi is approximately 4.4 million, of which 2.5 million live in slums. Kenya is considered one of Africa’s rising countries and a focus of U.S. investments, yet the reduction of poverty in Nairobi has been ineffective. This research is aimed to help the development field obtain some of the knowledge needed to successfully address abject poverty at the slum level where $1.90/day is not consistently earned. It widens the lenses of development to include critical consciousness of the poor, and may serve as a template for poverty reduction in other countries. Slum dwellers in Kenya and professionals in poverty reduction were surveyed to find out what they think are the best ways to reduce poverty. The results show similarities between professionals and slum dwellers, lack of critical consciousness in slum dwellers, and non-existence of programs that effectively reduce poverty at the slum level.
