Authors: Maureen Ogundeph, Luhombo Adema Calistus and Ruth Njeri Karuu
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa,
P.O BOX 62157-00200 Nairobi, Kenya
Author Email: maureenogundeph@gmail.com
Abstract
Women in informal settlements face multiple socio-economic, challenges that limit their ability to participate fully in community development and decision-making. This study explored the influence of economic empowerment on social transformation of women in Women Uplift Project Kangemi Slums, Nairobi. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The study targets 250 participants comprising of 200 women and 10 Key informants. The study sampled 190 women respondents and 10 Key informants. Questionnaires and interview guide was used to collect data. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive methods in SPSS, while qualitative data from interviews were thematically analyzed. Findings were presented in tables and narratives. The study revealed that women’s empowerment in Kangemi Slums enhanced financial independence, confidence. The study revealed that women empowerment in informal settlements in Kangemi Slums significantly enhanced women’s livelihoods, household decision-making, and overall community well-being. Access to income-generating activities, credit facilities, and financial autonomy enabled women to build resilience and foster social transformation, demonstrating that targeted interventions in informal settlements can strengthen women’s agency despite persistent structural challenges. The study recommended to expand vocational training, provide microfinance support, and promote policies supporting women-owned enterprises to sustain empowerment and social change.
Keywords: Women Empowerment, Economic Empowerment, Social Transformation, Informal Settlements, Kangemi Slums
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Suggested Citation
Ogundeph, M., Calistus, L. A., & Karuu, R. N. (2025). Women Empowerment and Social Transformation in Informal Settlements: A Case of the Uplift Project in Kangemi Slums, Nairobi, Kenya. African Research Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 12(2), 39–49. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17036323