I am particularly keen to establish a way forward in informal settlement regeneration as part of New Town strategies and this article highlights just why Government’s really should pay attention to the economic opportunities to be derived from supporting and improving the lot of the informal entrepreneur.

Hailing from the impoverished slum of Gatina on the western outskirts of Nairobi, the 23-year-old’s daily tasks include running a delivery service company, owning a barbershop and selling energy efficient stoves — all the while putting himself through university.

Watch his interview with CNN here

Makokha’s typical day starts when everyone else is still deep in their sleep. By 3am, he’s already woken up, studying and preparing his school assignments for later in the evening; by 7am, he’s entered the green doors of “Clean Touch,” the barbershop he set up three years ago at the heart of his local community.

Read more HERE