Abstract
This paper describes how complex political struggles in Mombasa underlie the inadequate provision for basic infrastructure and services, and the corruption and lack of accountability within government. These struggles are underpinned by overlapping responsibilities and rivalry between central and local government, and a political system (both national and local) which plays on ethnic and tribal loyalties as a basis for support and reward. The paper also describes how and why the city has failed to fully realize its economic potential, has extensive poverty and experiences major inadequacies in provision for water, sanitation, garbage collection, health care, education and housing. Drawing on the findings of a recent participatory poverty assessment, the paper outlines the coping strategies of poor and very poor households and suggests measures which would help ensure that their needs receive more attention.