SETTING THE STAGE This article focuses on Manyatta, an informal settlement/slum located along the peri-urban edges of Kisumu. The article investigates the existing and historic contexts, its impact on spatial configurations and social status and makes a case for participatory planning. The purpose is to reinforce that decentralized planning can only be effective if the end user is also the initiator of the planning process.
FORMING THE ARGUMENT FOR THE SITE IN KISUMU - MANYATTA As a result, and in-spite of little access to formal jobs, women have carved out a formidable position for themselves in the micro/informal sector of Kisumu. Research conducted by the GSAPP team highlights these women as the main driving force of a micro-economy in Kisumu and more specifically in Manyatta, identifying them as potential and critical drivers for the socio-economic prosperity of Manyatta. Simultaneously, Manyatta is at a juncture where it will need to respond to Kisumu’s earmarked urbanization - either by being indispensable to the City’s socioeconomic profile or by allowing itself to be absorbed/ obliterated by the force of Kisumu’s rapid expansion. This juncture is a critical window of opportunity to carefully guide this response- one which can deal with how the prevalent culture of Kisumu, and not only Manyatta, can highlight women as critical
socio-economic contributors in their workforce. In empowering women as agents of change, this article emphasizes the importance of all the elements that will benefit their inherent lifestyle the most- the varied scales and nature of social spaces , supporting building typologies and constitutional policies that recognize and emphasize the socio-economic identity of Manyatta. Since 2010, with the introduction of the new constitution in Kenya, important strides towards a more equitable society have been taken. Women have been legally granted the right to land ownership. They have equal representation in the new constitution including equal pay for equal work. While the government is taking crucial steps forward, the communities at large are yet to accept these new moves. By creating an inclusionary and participatory approach, the chasm between the new constitution and community acceptance can shrink. Critical to the growing recognition and acceptance of women as social and economic drivers are current facts that place women as 75% of the micro/informal workforce of Kisumu which in turn contributes to 20% of the GDP of the city. Site studies and research also show that this same category of working women are key occupants of the open spaces and streets in Manyatta.
Women being disconnected from the formal economy. Image credit: GSAPP core team
June 2016 | CITY OBSERVER
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