This word appears in Bryce Courtenay's novel "The Potato Factory". On checking the OED, I find no reference. The word "Nether" I assume is "lower" and "Ken" from "to know". The context he uses seems to suggest a "Doss-house". Any ideas?

I seem to recall that word being in "The Quincunx", though
not sure. From the context, I took it as an allusion to the
netherworld, in this case referring to the filthiest, nastiest part of the city.

but 'ken' is also a slang term - a rowdy house for thieves and beggars [W3 says "probably short for kennel"]

Jackie, on re-reading the context he uses it in, your allusion would seem correct by "referring to the filthiest, nastiest part of the city". The city in this case being the East End of London.

The city in this case being the East End of London.


In which case tsuwm is undoubtedly correct (is he ever anything else, I hear you cry)
Mayhew uses the term frequently to describe common lodging houses (i.e., doss-houses) in mid C19 London.