However, the story of Mathare is not just one of dirt, squalor, disease and hopelessness. It is also the story of resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a group of people who are trying desperately to brighten their corner of the world. She trained as a nursery school teacher after completing her primary education, and now runs her own nursery in Mathare. Five years ago she and a few other women decided to do something about their dismal situation. They started the self-help group.
Structures exist wherever there is space, with no thought of access for vehicles or even a breeze.
Most of the time a visitor either has to duck or walk sideways. The only evidence that city authorities have noticed the community's plight are two public toilets whose systems collapsed long ago. The refuse everywhere, the excreta by the stream and the flies hovering over uncovered food items on sale give an indication of the problem at hand. There is no electricity, and the source of clean water is a tap owned by individuals who open it to those who have money. Prices depend on the supply.