Mahira is one of five settlements located in Huruma, 5 km north east of central Nairobi. Although originally a slum area, the city council took action in 2001 to legalise the settlement, and worked in partnership with Pamoja Trust, Reall and resident communities, to set up a redevelopment and upgrading project within the area. Mahira was first established in 1978 when people were forced out of the neighbouring area of Kaimaiko. By the time the settlement was authorised its population had grown to 384 households, with a population density of 899 houses per hectare.

Due to the priority focus on increased sanitation, housing foundations were initially built to enable the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company to lay water pipelines for a toilet to be included in each house. Core houses could then be constructed in phase 2, with a design that included a kitchen, bathroom, lounge and bedroom. Loans were provided for the upgrades, and borrowers were given the option to repay over a maximum of eight years. The project also included clearing a community square and creating an integrated shopping front for the community.