Urban rights: Nairobi's dual story of renewal and decay

Aerial view of Nairobi CBD

It is now recognised that about 22 per cent of Kenyans reside in urban areas. The ratio is however not statistic. Rather, estimates suggest that the four urban areas where this surge is evident are Nakuru, Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa.

Today, let us speak about Nairobi that is celebrating 119 years. The ‘struggle for Nairobi is as old as its beginning. It is a complex, abstract and personal struggle that various writers have characterised with a history of violence, apathy, betrayal, despair and confusion. The problem with Nairobi is not so much its geographic location. Rather, the problem is the social function and planning that discriminates and alienates the majority. Let’s go back into history a little.