It's possible to build an urban future for all

Filthy street within Pipeline estate in Embakasi South, Nairobi. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

Cities around the world are experiencing social, economic and environmental challenges due to globalisation and rapid urbanisation.

In Africa, such challenges include urban decay, deterioration of the environment, lack of infrastructure, social challenges and economic decline. The second UN Habitat Assembly slotted for June, in Nairobi, themed, "A sustainable urban future" could not have come at a better time or place. African cities are experiencing rapid aging and decay and now secondary or intermediary cities (i-cities) are trying to learn lessons from big city mistakes.