Kibera slum challenges

Kibera, Kenya's largest informal settlement with half a million people, faces poverty and inadequate infrastructure.

Salama Center mission

Salama Center, established in 2018 by Koinonia community, provides vocational training and support for women in Kibera.

Daisy's story

Daisy, 23, became a mother at 23 after being cast out by her family following her first pregnancy.

“However, my parents were shocked by my pregnancy. They asked, 'How could this happen? You haven't even gone to university yet; you haven't achieved your goals.'”

Daisy's struggle

Daisy's partner prevents her from working, fearing she would become financially independent.

“He called Salama and asked them not to help me, so that I would remain dependent on him.”

Daisy's hope

Daisy plans to start a catering business and feels proud of her skills after training at Salama.

“Compared to before, today I see that I have gained certain skills. I feel like I am getting closer to my goals.”

Eva's story

Eva, a mother of two, completed secondary school but couldn't get her certificate due to fees.

“In the neighborhood, people mocked me because I couldn't afford diapers for my children.”

Eva's progress

Eva took a beauty course at Salama and now earns money as a cleaner to support her children.

“It’s not my ultimate goal yet, but it’s a salary. It’s money. And it’s mine.”

Damaris's story

Damaris, 25, became pregnant and lost her partner after giving birth in Kibera.

“Houses can be so crowded that they accommodate up to ten people.”

Damaris's vision

Damaris dreams of opening a center for girls and boys to provide education and support.

“I would like to open a small center of my own, a place where girls and boys, men and women, can come.”

Salama's impact

Salama Center provides safe spaces, vocational training, and follow-up support for women in Kibera.

“When the girls come here, they are safe. First and foremost, they can take courses in cooking, beauty care, hairdressing, and tailoring.”

Kibera's reality

Kibera has open sewers, inadequate drainage, and a lack of sanitation facilities despite its population size.

“The United Nations has documented the presence of open sewers, inadequate drainage systems, and a lack of sanitation facilities relative to the population size.”

Community perspective

Kibera residents are resilient despite poverty, with many successful people emerging from the slum.

“Saying you are from Kibera does not define who you are. Many people from here have bright futures.”

Samuel Mwita's view

Samuel Mwita, Salama's training coordinator, emphasizes women's liberation requires men's involvement.

“Being the only man in this program is significant for that very reason to help and empower women.”

Lara Aiello's goal

Lara Aiello aims to restore dignity to girls without portraying Kibera as a place of hopelessness.

“We want to restore dignity to these girls. And we want to do so without viewing Kibera as a place of hopelessness.”

The future

Women in Kibera are gaining economic independence and shifting societal perceptions of their roles.

“Damaris is the best. All the women of Kibera are the best.”