This city briefing presents findings from research on access to shelter and services in Nairobi, Kenya. The brief specifically focuses in on the participatory planning process triggered by the designation of the Mukuru informal settlement as a Special Planning Area by the Nairobi County Government. The brief is the result of a multi-year research project focused on better understanding why and how city dwellers make certain shelter choices in order to develop recommendations to improve access to adequate shelter and basic services.