This new smart city initiative is looks to uplift the lives of slum dwellers in Kenya

Kenya's Kibera slum, home to over 900,000 people, stands as Africa's largest informal settlement, facing dire economic conditions. However, a new smart city initiative spearheaded by Alan Marcus, Chief Digital Officer at Planet Smart City, aims to revolutionize the lives of slum dwellers. Collaborating with UN-Habitat, the initiative seeks to leverage technology and expertise from projects in Europe, Brazil, and India, to tailor solutions for Kibera and Mathare, enhancing community engagement and fostering social innovation to uplift residents. The focus is on providing access to smartphones and internet connectivity, essential for utilizing applications that can address critical needs within the slums. While not all residents own smartphones, many are willing to use them to assist others. The initiative also introduces smart devices like tablets for communal use, promoting information sharing and dialogue to improve livelihoods. With an eye on impacting hundreds of thousands over the next three to five years, the initiative emphasizes scalability and inclusivity through digital platforms. By working closely with local leaders and leveraging UN resources, the project aims to create a network of community representatives facilitating technology adoption and application deployment tailored to each settlement's requirements. Beyond the immediate benefits to the slum dwellers, the initiative holds significant implications for Nairobi as a whole. By gathering insights and data on residents' needs, tailored economic and social programs can be developed, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in resource allocation. Moreover, empowering communities with tools and technology fosters innovation, tapping into the inherent creativity and resourcefulness within these marginalized areas. Through this collaborative effort, the smart city initiative not only promises economic progress but also underscores the value of community-driven solutions. By bridging the gap between technology and underserved populations, the project paves the way for sustainable development and inclusive growth within Nairobi's informal settlements.