Study Shows Link Between Poor Housing and Disease Spread

A number of health studies and reports highlight strong evidence that substandard housing significantly contributes to the spread of infectious diseases in Kenya, especially in informal settlements. Overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to clean water in slums create ideal conditions for diarrheal diseases, respiratory infections, and enteric diseases.
For instance, research conducted in the Mukuru informal settlement shows a high prevalence of salmonellosis among children, which is linked to cramped living conditions and poor sanitary infrastructure.In such environments, storm drainage often overflows into living areas, and communal water points can become contaminated, increasing residents’ exposure to pathogens.
A broader comparative analysis across six sub-Saharan African countries (including Kenya) found that children living in healthier housing—defined by better water and sanitation, improved building materials, and safer conditions—were significantly less likely to suffer from diarrhoea, acute respiratory infections, and fever. This underlines how poor housing is directly tied to disease risk.
Health experts have also pointed out that in high-density, informal urban neighborhoods, factors like poor drainage, lack of waste disposal, and inadequate water supply combine to fuel infectious disease transmission. They argue that improving housing quality—alongside sanitation and service provision—is critical for reducing disease burden in these vulnerable communities.