Squatters or tenants: the commercialization of unauthorized housing in Nairobi

The conventional view of squatting suggests that the squatter builds his own house. In this paper we shall present fieldwork data from Nairobi which is totally at variance with this view. We shall present data on a private rental sector, albeit illegal, that is operating in such ‘squatting’ areas. In particular we shall investigate its growth, profitability and ownership, together with the characteristics of the landlords and tenants involved. We shall suggest that the provision of low-income shelter is now a commercial activity.