During the NSF, the British high commissioner, Mr Jeffrey James, called on the government and development partners to pay more attention to costcutting issues. The unfavourable business environment prevailing in the country characterised by over-regulation of business and unfair competition was decried. Time and again, the poor and costly physical infrastructure and insecurity were cited as major impediments to growth. Urban slums are in a pathetic state. In Kibera, sanitary conditions and lack of clean water are a major problem.
Paths are so bad they remain muddy for weeks after rains.
The land tenure system is uncertain and physical planning is a shambles. The youth in the area are idle, thanks to the rife unemployment. In fact, video shows in the area open by seven in the morning. Slum dwellers were more interested in measures to create employment, enable the jua kali sector to thrive and improve sanitation and housing. In the rural areas, people were generally concerned with the difficulties they face in trying to satisfy their basic needs.