From Eradication to Integration Bridging the Policy-Reality Gap in Slum Upgrading through Community-Led programme

As the Government of Kenya accelerates its "Affordable Housing Programme" through the massive Kibera Soweto East redevelopment, it demonstrates a bold commitment to the housing shortage. Addressing the Global South's crisis requires shifting from small-scale upgrading to high-density "slum eradication." With millions in hazardous conditions, state-led vertical density is vital to providing sanitation and dignity at the speed required for the SDGs. However, such rapid modernization creates a "Cognitive Gap." Master plans solve physical deficits but often miss the invisible social networks—livelihoods and safety nets—residents rely on. This disconnect is evident in the Railway Relocation Action Plan, where thousands face resettlement. The challenge is clear: How can we support "eradication" without destroying the "software" of community life? This technical masterclass aligns top-down planning with bottom-up realities. First, UN-Habitat and the Government of Kenya will outline the policy frameworks for the Kenya Slum Upgrading Programme (KENSUP) and the Railway Project. The project architect and urban planner will present detailed high-rise designs to assess the "eradication" model's challenges. Solutions are presented via three pillars: The Governance Solution: The officials from Kenya will present the current situation of Urban development and schemes of Urban Upgrading in Kenya. The Academic Solution: Explores spatial analysis to decode "invisible" networks. It shows how data visualizes informal livelihood systems and how design can prevent their destruction. The Technical Solution: Reviews aerial photography for consensus building. Using orthorectified imagery bridges the communication gap between engineers and residents without requiring technical literacy. The Mathare Case: Pamoja Trust (NGO) will present the Mathare case, demonstrating how organized communities play a crucial role in development. The "Comuna" Model: A lecture on the "Comuna" model in Caracas, Venezuela. The "Open Account" system empowered residents to manage funds directly, ensuring resilience during political instability. The session concludes with a panel on codifying these tools into procurement policies. Participants will gain practical knowledge to de-risk large-scale urban redevelopment.