Kibera
/kɪˈbɛrə/noun
A densely populated informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya, and the surrounding area.
Did you know?The commonly cited Nubian origin is not conclusively proven; historians also note that Kibera’s early residents included Nubian soldiers who were settled in the area after serving in the British army.
Etymological Timeline
Early 20th Century
Nubian/English colonial usage
Kibera
“A place-name associated with a settlement of Nubian soldiers near Nairobi; the exact original sense is disputed.”
1900s–1910s
English colonial records
Kibera
“A military-reserve or settlement area near Nairobi, used for Nubian ex-servicemen and their families.”
Mid-20th Century
English/Kiswahili usage
Kibera
“The established name for the settlement and surrounding locality.”
Late 20th Century
English
Kibera
“A widely used geographical name for one of Nairobi’s large informal settlements.”
Modern English
English
Kibera
“A proper noun referring chiefly to the Nairobi settlement, often discussed in urban, political, and social contexts.”