This thesis aims at uncovering consequences for and strategies amongst informal traders in Kibera caused by the slum upgrading project known as the Relocation Action Plan. Henri Lefebvre’s concept Right to the City is the theoretical framework through which the experiences of the informal traders is analyzed. By using the three themes; socio-spatial exclusion, citizenship and participation, and appropriation and struggle the thesis shows how Lefebvre’s concept can be used in a specific Kenyan context.

The empirical data was gathered during two months of field work in Kibera, Nairobi. 15 semi-structured interviews with informal traders were conducted on the site. Participatory observation was also used as a method to gain deeper knowledge. The results show that the informal traders face several challenges at their current location and in regard to the relocation. Uncertainties and lack of information surrounding the project creates further stress and limits the informal traders’ possibilities to invent new and use existing strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of the relocation. The results also highlight how the organization of space in Roundabout 42 is affected by the project and in turn affecting the informal traders. Despite the projects shortcomings, I argue that the Relocation Action Plan further strengthens the importance of participation and Lefebvre’s concept right to the city.