Study Reveals Poor Housing Conditions Fuel Diseases

New research into informal settlements in Kenya has highlighted how substandard housing—marked by overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and lack of clean water—is directly linked to higher rates of infectious and chronic diseases. A cross-sectional health survey of Korogocho slum in Nairobi found that the most common illnesses among residents were respiratory infections (44.8%), skin diseases (13.8%), and abdominal/enteric problems (13.2%). These findings suggest a direct correlation between poor housing environments and community-level disease burden.
A separate study among women in Mathare Valley revealed that the lack of consistent access to toilets and safe water sources significantly predicted lower scores in both mental health and overall wellbeing.The researchers argue that these housing and environmental conditions do more than just expose residents to pathogens—they also erode quality of life, which in turn can weaken people’s resilience against disease.
Further supporting the link, a classic housing-quality study in Nairobi’s Langas slum found that pit latrines sited dangerously close to water wells led to microbial contamination of water. Microbiological analysis showed high levels of fecal bacteria in shared water sources, reinforcing the risk of waterborne diseases in poorly planned settlements.
Additionally, a health‑vulnerability study in Mombasa’s flood-prone informal settlements documented how poor drainage and unstable housing structures make residents highly vulnerable to disease risks. When flooding occurs, sewage and contaminated water mix, increasing exposure to diarrheal illnesses and other infections — a risk magnified by poor housing design and lack of public infrastructure.
Taken together, these studies make a strong case: improving housing conditions—especially in slums—could have major public health benefits. By addressing overcrowding, strengthening WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) infrastructure, and ensuring better water quality, Kenya could significantly reduce the spread of infectious disease and improve health outcomes for thousands of its most vulnerable citizens.