Art for Change: Youth Voices in Kibera

Kibera, one of Africa's largest informal settlements, was initially established in the early 1900s as a residential area for Nubian soldiers returning from World War I. Over the decades, it has transformed into a densely populated urban space characterized by inadequate infrastructure and poor living conditions, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and socio-economic challenges. Today, despite these obstacles, Kibera is a hub of resilience and creativity, with communities—particularly the youth—actively working to address issues like housing, climate change, and social inequality through initiatives like artivism.

The UNFCCC sees youth as vital agents of change in the fight against climate change, and true to this vision, Muungano Youth have been at the forefront of community-driven responses. Through artivism using art to raise awareness, educate, and inspire change—these young activists are making their voices heard.

A total of 10 youth from Kibera, Huruma, Mukuru, and Mathare have come together. Muungano wa Wanavijiji is part of the internationally respected and highly successful SDI movement, a global federation of urban poor communities mobilizing around savings groups to tackle local challenges and advocate for pro-poor urban development. Recognizing that traditional approaches often overlook the specific needs of young people, Muungano established a parallel movement dedicated to empowering youth. This initiative provides opportunities for leadership and skills development, placing young people at the forefront of the change processes they wish to see in their lives, communities, and cities.

In the spirit of creativity, marking their fourth art initiative this year, following previous projects in Mukuru, Naivasha, and Kisumu, the Muungano youth painted a mural in Kibera, envisioning a future they believe they and generations to come deserve. As Lawrence Ouma, a youth leader from Muungano, reflects, “As we painted, we shared our stories of struggle, hope, and dreams for a better Kibera. This mural isn’t just paint on a wall; it’s our collective voice.”

The youth received vital support for this mural from the One World Together Solidarity Fund, an organization dedicated to empowering communities worldwide. Their innovative funding model allows local organizations the flexibility to determine how and when to use resources, effectively shifting power to those who know their needs best. This long-term, unrestricted funding enables groups like Muungano Youth to invest in their future development, amplifying their efforts to advocate for change and build resilience within their communities.

The mural vividly illustrates the harsh realities of informal settlements, marked by poor living conditions that are often exacerbated by extreme weather and climate change. Recently, Kenya experienced devastating floods that were further complicated by government-initiated forced evictions creating a triple tragedy. Many residents find themselves in these informal settlements due to systemic societal issues, such as a lack of employment opportunities that could provide decent living conditions.

The Constitution of Kenya, Article 43(1)(b), states that every person has the right to accessible and adequate housing, as well as reasonable standards of sanitation. This legal framework highlights housing as a fundamental human right and underscores the need for all Kenyans to have access to decent living conditions.

Although these youth come from different neighborhoods, they share a common struggle with poverty. Their experiences have compelled them to unite through artivism to express their challenges and educate their peers. Increasingly, young people are taking to the streets and leveraging social media to amplify their voices and advocate for change. They are standing up against authoritarian regimes, corruption, and social inequalities, striving for sustainable development and a better future for all.

The collaboration among youth to create this mural also serves as a platform for knowledge sharing, allowing them to discuss pressing issues and their contributions to addressing these challenges. While artivism is one method they use to tackle climate change, Muungano youth also engage in waste management initiatives to combat environmental degradation.

The mural itself carries a powerful message: “We are the change we want.” On one side, it depicts the stark realities of informal settlements, highlighting issues such as inadequate sanitation, overcrowding, and pollution. On the other side, it portrays a vision of proper housing and infrastructure—a dream that aligns with the goals of SDI Kenya and Muungano wa Wanavijiji for inclusive cities where all urban poor have access to land, housing, and essential services. While the youth understand that achieving this vision may seem like a distant dream, they remain hopeful and committed to making it a reality.

As the youth stand before their mural, they are reminded that they are not just artists, but catalysts for change. With each brushstroke, they paint a vision of a future where their voices matter and their dreams can be realized.

The message “We are the change we want” encapsulates their belief that transformation begins within the community. They acknowledge the role that their neighborhoods play in environmental pollution, as Lawrence Ouma explains: “The reason we came up with this message is that we know change must begin with us. We need to stop polluting our rivers; for instance, we’ve connected sewer pipes directly to the river and dispose of waste there.”

Facing the threat of eviction, they live in constant fear and anxiety, especially after recent rains and announcements about relocating from riparian zones. They assert that it’s crucial for the community to collectively agree to move away from these areas for their safety and well-being, urging the government to provide a better relocation plan for those affected.

In this spirit of resilience and determination, the youth of Kibera remind us all that change is not just a hope but an active choice one that begins with each of us.