Map Kibera Project: Community-Generated Map of Nairobi's Largest Slum

The Map Kibera project is an awesome example of community-powered mapping succeeding in a situation where commercial mapping providers would never venture: Kibera, the largest slum of Nairobi, Kenya with a population estimated at near a million.  The project will train local residents to create community maps - using OpenStreetMap tools and techniques - and encourage the use of community-generated maps in relief and development efforts.

The Map Kibera home page describes the point of the project:

Kibera in Nairobi, Kenya, widely known as Africa's largest slum, remains a blank spot on the map. Without basic knowledge of the geography and resources of Kibera it is impossible to have an informed discussion on how to improve the lives of residents. This November, young Kiberans create the first public digital map of their own community.

We'll be following the Map Kibera project closely on our blog and we wish them the best of luck on their project!