Leafy residences losing edge as high-density buildings take over city

I was abroad for nearly fifteen years and must admit that I am shocked by the rate of real estate developments within high-end areas in Nairobi. The places that were once leafy suburbs with one house sitting on at least half an acre piece of land are today a pale shadow of themselves. For instance, a home we once marvelled at with well-manicured lawns and a neat kitchen garden in Kilimani is today home to skyscrapers with several units, which include bedsitters, studio and one-bedroom apartments. It is surprising that some of these towering buildings have limited parking space forcing the owners or tenants to park on road reserves. I have always wondered what these highrise buildings mean in terms of density, for instance the sewer lines, that were designed over 60 years ago, and the pipes erected that may not support the developments.

Fatuma, Nairobi