While appreciating that security of tenure is not an instantaneous product, it should be noted that all the housing upgrading contributes towards entrenching a sense of secure land tenure for residents of informal settlements. At the core, an upgrading programme must embrace participatory approach with all activities being spearheaded by the communities. A slum presents complex realities comprising of several spheres of interest. In an abstract sense, they could be seen to be made up of a tripartite arrangement involving environmental, political and socio-economic forces. These forces appear to lack harmony; akin to cogs pulling out of harmony hence making forward movement impossible.
The approaches while there have been attempts at dealing with the challenges of slums none has fully dealt with inherent challenges peculiar to informal settlements. Past approaches have attempted to isolate and resolve one of the constituent parts of the challenges, further aggravating the problem. But in Huruma, a bottom up and participatory approach to settlement upgrading was embraced. Community members directly make decisions on issues such as budgets implantations and management of the programme.
The upgrading process is structured in an integrated manner, incorporating activities that also focus on their pertinent shortcomings in the communities besides basic housing. While the communities place a premium on acquiring security of land tenure, all other activities are aligned toward this goal ‘’Gideon of pamoja trust say’’’
Mobilizing and saving the first step involves intense lobbying to bring on board relevant government agencies, local authorities and other private players. It is facilitated through peer exchange, networking and technology transfer. This culminates in establishment of savings schemes which harness funs to be used for upgrading and uniting communities behind a common purpose, enabling for buy-in for the process.
Data collection Community led mapping and enumerations exercises are conducted to assess socio-economic indicator and indentify existing facilities. The communities also assess their needs and make provision for future developments.
Design and dreaming at this level, communities undertake settlements planning and the house dreaming processes. They make decisions on type of housing units, size and ancillary facilities. They rely on professional planner and architect to translate their aspirations into settlements layout maps and architectural schematics.
The construction phase .involves low cost, non mechanized construction techniques and primarily utilizes community labour with specialized works being constructed the use of replicable pre cast modules guarantees efficient technology transfers. Construction is financed through a revolving fund and community contribution, with 20% deposit from individual savings and an 80% loan at 0.5% interest per month, payable over eight years. The systems incorporates participatory budgeting and community procurement systems
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