Why rainwater harvesting should be stepped up in urban areas

Water rationing has become the norm in many parts of Nairobi, yet every rainy season, millions of litres of clean rainwater go to waste

By Henry Ochieng' 9 months ago

Kenyan waste pickers' good work is worthy of recognition

Waste pickers' role in waste management, recycling, and environmental conservation help to reduce pollution, improve public health, and drive the country towards a circular economy.

By Henry Ochieng' 9 months ago

How wetlands encroachment is endangering Kenya's future

Wetlands are nature's own flood defence system. They act like giant sponges, absorbing excess rainwater, slowing down runoff, and reducing flood risks.

By Henry Ochieng' 11 months ago

How Sakaja can turn hawkers 'menace' into a success story

CBD has long been the epicentre of commerce, governance, and culture. But over the years, the hawker crisis has turned it into a battleground.

By Henry Ochieng' 1 year ago

How to ensure security concerns don't rob you of joy this festive period

Statistics show that crime rates in urban areas often spike during the festive season, with more break-ins when thieves take advantage of vacant homes and deserted neighbourhoods.

By Henry Ochieng' 1 year ago

Passing Public Participation Bill can help reduce public anger, protests in future

The Bill is still in Parliament after it was first published on September 1, 2023, and the first reading done on October 12, 2023.

By Henry Ochieng' 1 year ago

Deaths during evictions reflect policy failure and poor moral judgment

In Mathare North, residents pleaded with the bulldozer operators not to demolish the houses as there were people inside, but their pleas fell on deaf ears.

By Henry Ochieng' 1 year ago

Kenya's urban development strategy ripe for re-engineering

Our urban centres need all these and much more to function well and deliver services to residents. But even more urgent is how to address challenges facing urban planning.

By Henry Ochieng' 1 year ago

Stop proliferation of illegal gas facilities in residential areas

NEMA has confirmed that the Environmental Impact Assessment licence for the plant was processed unprocedurally, meaning that some officers were compromised.

By Henry Ochieng' 1 year ago

Why City Hall should effectively implement development plans

The chaos currently being witnessed in the city centre due to the influx of hawkers does not reflect the envisaged order in the city.

By Henry Ochieng' 2 years ago

Government should move fast to bridge urban services divide

Nairobi City County is contributing more to Kenya's economy than 29 other counties combined, highlighting the fact that Kenya's wealth is concentrated in the capital.

By Henry Ochieng' 2 years ago

Communities, groups can help State to fulfill housing promise

Truth be told, ever since Kenya started talking about affordable housing in 2002, no regime has made the dream look achievable like the Kenya Kwanza government.

By Henry Ochieng' 2 years ago

Empower communities to win the war against climate change

The Africa Climate Summit should be an opportunity to reframe climate action as a collective endeavour that transcends borders and encompasses diverse voices.

By Henry Ochieng' 2 years ago

New cities should avoid mistakes made by older ones like Nairobi

This week, Eldoret town is hosting governors as they mark 10 years of devolution, hoping the spotlight on the 'City of Champions' won't fade away with the end of the devolution conference.

By Henry Ochieng' 2 years ago

Lessons from city where top company bosses cycle to work

In Copenhagen, residents take pride in getting around on their two-wheelers as the main means of transport. It is what has earned Copenhagen the moniker "the city of the bicycle".

By Henry Ochieng' 2 years ago

Ensure cities residents live in dignity

Kenya's urban policies have prioritised the demands of the middle and upper classes over the needs of poorer groups.

By Henry Ochieng' 2 years ago

Policy shift towards turning waste into wealth will pay off

Currently, most people don't care how they dispose of waste. It is not uncommon to see mounds of uncollected waste at every corner in our neighbourhoods.

By Henry Ochieng' 2 years ago

Demolitions: How to bring order to our urban centres once and for all

The ongoing demolition of structures built on riparian land is a confirmation of the rot in Nairobi and the impunity that has reigned in the city

By Henry Ochieng 7 years ago

Sustainable economic growth key to attaining development targets

The goals came into effect in January 2016 and respective countries have domesticated the goals and laid out plans for their achievement.

By Henry Ochieng 7 years ago

How National Construction Authority can effectively curb substandard buildings

The finding by the National Construction Authority (NCA) that 60 per cent of the buildings they inspected do not comply with the sector regulations and pose a great risk to the tenants is worrying.

By Henry Ochieng 9 years ago