Introduction to Malasen Hamida's Struggle
Malasen Hamida, a Muslim Nubian woman from Kibera, in Nairobi, is an aspiring politician and environmental activist with over 25 years of environmental defense. Kibera, which was named by the Nubians, meaning "land of forests", is the largest informal settlement in Kenya and is located on land that the British colonial government had allocated to the Nubian community after their ancestors served as soldiers in the King's African Rifles. This allocation once covered 1,698 hectares (4,197 acres). Today, due to urbanization, forced evictions, land grabbing, and successive government projects, only 116 hectares (288 acres) remain under Nubian ownership, with no compensation offered.
What Happened - The Struggle for Environmental Justice
Through the Mazingira Women Initiative, Hamida has spent these years organizing around waste management, smart agriculture, land rights, and female leadership. ("Mazingira" is a Swahili word for environment or nature.) She is also a three-time parliamentary candidate for the Kibera constituency and plans to run again in 2027. Hamida spoke with Mongabay on a cold Saturday afternoon, just as she was leaving the largest mosque in the Kibera constituency. Her offices are a short walk from there. As we approached, several people stopped to greet her. She responded to each one, "salaam aleikum", stopped to chat, and stroked the face of a little girl with her hands. She led me through a wavy iron gate to a quiet compound of mud-walled and iron-roofed houses. The area was notably clean, with no standing water or trash in sight, unlike what is normally seen in Kibera.
Why This Matters - The Real Stakes
Malasen Hamida's struggle is not just a local issue, but has broader implications for environmental justice and women's rights. The loss of land and environmental degradation disproportionately affect the most vulnerable communities, such as the Nubian community in Kibera. The lack of access to basic resources, such as clean water and sanitation, increases the vulnerability of these communities to diseases and other health problems. Furthermore, the loss of land and environmental degradation also affect food security and the local economy.
The Mechanism/Science Behind This - Environmental Science
Environmental degradation in Kibera is a classic example of how the combination of social, economic, and environmental factors can lead to disastrous consequences. Rapid urbanization and the lack of adequate urban planning have created an environment conducive to environmental degradation. The lack of basic infrastructure, such as sewage systems and waste management, increases pollution and environmental degradation. Furthermore, the loss of land and environmental degradation also affect local biodiversity and ecosystems.
Bigger Picture - Comparison with Similar Events
Malasen Hamida's struggle in Kibera is not an isolated case. Around the world, marginalized communities are fighting against environmental degradation and land loss. The struggle for environmental justice is a global issue, which requires a coordinated approach and collective action. Malasen Hamida's experience in Kibera can serve as an example for other communities that are facing similar challenges.
What Happens Next - Implications and Open Questions
Malasen Hamida's struggle in Kibera is far from over. The Nubian community still faces many challenges, including land loss, environmental degradation, and lack of access to basic resources. However, Malasen Hamida's determination and leadership offer hope for the future. The Nubian community in Kibera can serve as an example for other communities that are fighting for environmental justice and women's rights.
Conclusion - The Importance of Environmental Justice
Malasen Hamida's struggle in Kibera is an important reminder of the importance of environmental justice and women's rights. Environmental degradation and land loss disproportionately affect the most vulnerable communities, and a coordinated approach and collective action are needed to address these challenges. Malasen Hamida's experience in Kibera can serve as an example for other communities that are facing similar challenges, and offers hope for the future.
Source / Reference
This article was originally published on Mongabay.