Urban planning is the only key to save our towns

The world has rapidly urbanized over the last 50 years with over 70 per cent of the world population living in urban areas.

Urban areas are critical to World’s GDP. The rapid urbanization in Kenya is a major crisis characterized by uncontrolled land use.

This brings to question the role and purpose of the many towns if they cannot provide adequate infrastructure facilities and services, employment opportunities, affordable services, resilient communities and societies.

The problem seems to be invariably unflattering to the extent that unemployment and the environment of doing business hasn’t been good with little money circulation in the private sector. This has led to absolute poverty which has been experienced throughout the country something which only occurred in informal settlements and slums.

Most of the people rely on Kadogo economy.  Poverty, in this case, is not only the lack of material resources but the exclusion from decision making either politically or socially. Poverty as a systemic disenfranchisement that is exhibited by oppression by powerful people and vested interest groups. In the maelstrom of the Capital City, even the high classes have begun to feel vulnerable with taxes mulled over them.

Where is the core problem of such inadequacies? Is it urban planning coupled with urban governance or political will? This has raised questions on the role of urban planners in making cities conducive with affordable and commensurate services and facilities for its population.

 The policymakers and leaders have not lived to their expectations of formulating policies and prioritizing projects which have a positive impact on lives of the urban population.  The experience of living in urban areas has become increasingly bleak with intermittent services and facilities which makes them vulnerable to diseases.

As the cult of rogue leaders soar, the image of the Urban Planner with their policies and plans has arguably become comical. Yet their role is so crucial to the sustainability of our urban areas that calls for an urgent intervention and re-invention through successful implementation of the polices and strategies.

 Urban planning was a policy priority in the earlier decades which has been dwindling over the years. Planning provided for adequate and decent social housing schemes. It is the planners who plan for industrial parks, techno cities among others. There were campaign groups that focused on the protection and preservation of green urban spaces.

 In the recent past we have witnessed lack of playing grounds for children in estates especially in the high-density areas, floods due to developments on natural waterways and lack of green spaces where water can be drained.

Very few private enterprises would be willing to offer services without ripping greater profit margins. In some areas one would walk several miles without a trace of a public hospital or school. Most of the private services are either unaffordable or they do not offer services provided by qualified professionals.

While planning in the past has mainly focused on cities or major urban areas, there is need to have a shift and give much attention to all urban areas including the rural areas with the devolved government systems. Local campaign groups, civil societies, neighborhood association should be encouraged to focus on the loss of green spaces, conservation areas among others.

In an era which Industrialization, Affordable Housing, Manufacturing and Job Creation has been championed by H.E the President and planners venerated, urban planners should advocate for urban governance and the political good will in giving priority and allocation of funds to planning which has been one of the main challenges in implementation of plans. Planning is not about plan making but successful implementation of such plans and gaining the proceeds of such implemented projects and programs.

There are obviously many good planners but they are no longer seen as the key leads to all development projects and visionary leaders. This has led to the disconnect between the technically correct projects and politically correct projects during the implementation yet there is need to have a balance by embroiling planners as the most significant leaders to steer the process to deliver projects that benefit the wider public or majority its meant to serve and not binary issues.

Urban areas should be planned to combat solitude

Do you at times feel lonely as a City Dweller? You are not on your own. One would easily associate it with some personal health mental issue or amnesia but it is an endemic social issue than requires redress.

Many would mischarge the effects of such loneliness which would have an impact on social and health implications which would be compared with smoking 35 cigarettes a day for such social segregation.  Loneliness is a great issue that require to be addressed either through appointment of a person in charge to address it. The main route course has been the manner in which our towns and urban areas are planned and designed that do not provide an element of social interaction and connection. Which is a replica in residential areas where no one knows their neighbor.

The nature of planning and design of spaces would hinder or encourage interaction. It’s the initial attempt of shaping of the building and open spaces that would shape us either to live unhappy, unhealthy or otherwise.

Education centres also require planning

An educated society is an investment to the future. On the contrary, uneducated society becomes a turmoil.

Education facilities are often located within urban areas and towns which are centers of urban agglomerations and seen as complex socio-technical systems of wide range of activities. These educational facilities especially the buildings such as classrooms offer the environment for teaching pupils. It is observed in most of the schools especially those in rural areas do not integrated planning to ensure that the spaces are of good quality and standards.

Lack of recreational facilities within school setting has been a baffling phenomenon which seems to be prevalent in urban areas with a grim picture of their implications on the well-being of children.

For the education system to thrive, all educational centers and facilities require an integrated approach which enhances both technical, social, environmental and economical dimensions in a non-discriminating manner which is equitable to all. This helps in overall development of the pupils mentally, physically and emotionally and all-round development of a child. On the other hand, the education sectors require proper planning with relevant experts brought on board to address some of these challenges.

 

Related Topics

Urban planning