In a groundbreaking initiative to advance health equity in Nairobi’s informal settlements, the Accountability and Responsiveness in Informal Settlements for Equity (ARISE) project, spearheaded by LVCT Health, successfully concluded its multi-year research and intervention program, shedding light on the unique challeges faced by marginalized populations within these communities.
During the close-out event, which brought together community leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders, Dr. Lilian Otiso, the Executive Director, LVCT Health, shared valuable insights from the research.
“We embarked on this journey in 2019 with the aim of identifying gaps in accountability and responsiveness in urban slum settings,”said Dr. Otiso “Our focus was on understanding the vulnerabilities, risks, and opportunities for better supporting these populations.”
The study, conducted in the Korogocho and Viwandani informal settlements of Nairobi, identified three key vulnerable groups: people with disabilities, the elderly, and children heading households. The project also explored the experiences of pregnant adolescents in these communities, employing innovative approaches like Photovoice —a participatory research approach where participants use photography to document their lived experiences.
“Through the camera lenses, we witnessed firsthand the struggles they endure—unclean environments, food insecurity, and limited access to water and healthcare services,” explained Dr. Lilian Otiso. “These images powerfully convey their resilience and highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions.”
The event also highlighted the collaborative efforts between LVCT Health and local community-based organizations to uplift these vulnerable groups.
“We partnered with three organizations to provide financial training, employment opportunities, and health education, particularly for people with disabilities,” said Dr. Otiso.
“It’s inspiring to see some of them now gainfully employed and receiving the support they deserve,” stated Otiso.
Hon. Aaron Kang’ara, Member for County Assembly (MCA), Viwandani Ward, commended the ARISE initiative for its pivotal role in spotlighting community challenges. “ARISE has been instrumental in bringing attention to the issues faced by our vulnerable members. Consistent engagement with the community is key to effectively addressing their needs,” Kang’ara stated, noting that the study was not the end but just the beginning of positively impacting the lives of the most vulnerable in our communities.
Among the recommendations presented at the event was the need to improve the reach of social protection programs, such as cash transfers, which are designed to alleviate the challenges faced by older people but often fail to reach them.
The event also highlighted the need to raise community awareness about the struggles faced by the elderly and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Participants urged the government to consider the needs of PWDs in all urban planning and infrastructure developments.
“We need PWD-friendly roads with restricted pedestrian access to reduce their vulnerability,” urged participants..
Dr. Otiso stressed the importance of maintaining a focus on these groups and urged the government and NGOs to adopt an equity-based approach in their programming. “All too often, programs are designed for the general population, leaving those most at risk overlooked. We must ensure that no one is left behind,” she emphasized.
Although the ARISE project, funded by the UK Research Institute’s Global Challenges Research Fund, is coming to an end, its impact is expected to endure.
“We’ve ensured that the awareness raised through this project will continue to shape policies and programs,” said Dr. Lilian Otiso. “For instance, a bill addressing child-headed households has been passed at the county level, and we are optimistic about seeing more such initiatives.”
Looking ahead, LVCT Health is actively seeking additional resources to expand its work, with a particular focus on areas like mental health support for teenage mothers and school feeding programs in slum communities. “We remain committed to Nairobi, continuing our participatory approach, and co-creating solutions with the communities we serve,” Dr. Otiso concluded. The ARISE close-out event was a powerful reminder of the persistent challenges in Nairobi’s slum communities and the critical need for sustained, collaborative efforts to tackle them. With the momentum generated by this project, there is hope for a future where equitable health and well-being are accessible to all.