Saudi Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences (SJHSS)
Volume-2 | Issue-11 | 1076-1084
Original Research Article
Evaluating Access and Use of Community Information Services by Informal Urban Settlers in Nairobi County: The Case of Kibera Slums
Audrey Kemunto Bandari, Andrew Chege, Duncan Amoth
Published : Nov. 30, 2017
Abstract
Access and use to the right kind of information and possession of correct
and relevant information resolves various problems faced by individuals in the
slum and also helps them in decision making. Limited access to the right
information at the right time deprives the slum dwellers the right to development.
The information needs of the slum dwellers are not adequately identified and
therefore the limited information resources they access and use are usually based
on the assumption of information provided, through the public, from among
themselves, NGOs, CBOs, the churches and the private sector. Therefore the aim
of the study was to evaluate access and use of community information services to
Kibera slum dwellers and to suggest the ways in which these services could be
enhanced. Examine Information seeking habits of the slum dwellers in Kibera
i. Assess the existing information resources and services
ii. Establish the extent to which information resources and services meet user
needs
iii. Identify the format in which information is repackaged
iv. Find out Challenges faced by accessing and using of information
v. Suggest how access of information services by slum dwellers can be
enhanced
The major findings of the study were that Kibera slum dwellers faced various
challenges which include high cost of information materials, Poor knowledge of
existing information resources, poor marketing of information, lack of internet
access, distance, language barrier, inadequate and outdated information sources
that inhibited effective access and use of information. Recommendations were
made based on the research findings.