Nestled in the southwest corner of Nairobi, considered the largest slum in Africa, with estimates of 1 million people in 1 square mile, Kibera (Kibra) is a hub of activity. To love it is to be in it; meet the people, buy a big Coke from a shop, and ride through on a boda boda with the wind in your hair.

My heart belongs to this community-I miss it and think of it daily. With each trip I make to Kenya, I learn more about the people here, explore the different areas within Kibra, and see the joy and the hearts of the people who live here. Most houses are not much bigger than a 10’x10′ space and are made up of sticks, mud and/or sheet metal. There’s electricity (when there’s not a blackout) and kitchens consist of a propane powered cooking ring or a hotplate. No running water-they fill 5 gallon jugs from a government supplied water container close by.

The streets are lined with shops selling food, fresh fruit and vegetables, paper, pencils, beauty supplies, clothing…everything. Be aware of motorbikes, tuk tuks and matatus around you as you are walking, they are everywhere and don’t slow down-pedestrians do not have the right of way. Everything seems so fast paced, yet time stands still when you’re here. Most of the children here are unable to attend school so you will see most of them playing in the streets or helping in the family shop. If you walk through on a Sunday you will hear church services going on every 20 yards or so or you might witness the drums and singing as a church walks through the streets.

There are around 500 non-profit organizations that operate within Kibera, so plenty of ways to get involved and help. I will highlight some in my other posts. Tours are offered through the slum-there are many on trip-advisor-and should be used unless you know someone personally who lives there and can show you around. Should you choose to venture through, please be kind, smile, say Mambo (not Jambo) and give high fives or fist bumps to the kids-they love it! See it through a lens of hope and joy-it is a community with the risks and dangers of a major city, but the people have the heart of a small town-they would give whatever they have to make you feel welcome.