Histographies of architecture: a first analysis of the changing roof landscape in rural Kenya

Abstract

In the last 50 years, the roof landscape of Sub-saharan Africa has undergone a massive transformation that historians have not yet studied. Since the early 1980s, traditional grass-thatched roofs have mainly been replaced by corrugated iron sheet roofs (Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 2019).

I witnessed this transformation while participating at the Rural Housing Studio on Mt. Elgon, Kenya, in September 2017. At first, it seemed hard to understand why someone in Kenya would choose a metal roof over the vernacular alternatives, as metal roofs bring dependence on skilled labour and a lack of comfort during the hot summer days. With this consideration in mind, the transformation that was taking place seemed all the more improbable and required an explanation. This present thesis is a first study of what is happening.

Using household surveys and satellite imagery, I study how metal roofing has spread in Kenya. My preliminary study will be a primer for those who will find interest in studying the broader context of housing in Africa. The continent is currently in the midst of a massive population boom, accompanied by considerable changes in housing conditions. The transition from grass-thatched roofs to corrugated iron sheet roofing is a part of this story that should not be neglected.

This thesis, among others, indicates that it will be relevant to collect more data on housing conditions in rural areas. All while developing more advanced remote sensing methods to better map and quantify the transition from grass to corrugated iron sheet roofing.