Give Nairobi necessary support to be competitive

When Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja acknowledges the need for assistance from the police to maintain order and civility in the city, he must receive the necessary support.

Nairobi has garnered international favour, leading to the relocation of various UN bodies to the city. In light of this, Nairobi must receive the full attention and resources it deserves.

The relocation of various UN bodies, such as UNICEF and UNFPA to Nairobi has significantly elevated the city’s international standing and importance. As development continues, adequate support and resources must be allocated to maintain order in the county.

The sustained success and growth of Nairobi hinge on the provision of the attention and resources it deserves. The burgeoning urban population presents both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. How will Nairobi leverage this demographic shift to propel its development forward?

United Nations says Africa’s population of approximately 1.4 billion will double by the year 2050, with over 80 per cent of that growth expected to occur in urban areas. The United Nations forecasts that 10 of the fastest-growing cities in the next 20 years will be in Africa.

Interestingly, Africa is poised to have eight cities that will double in population size in the coming years. This rapid urbanization presents challenges and opportunities for the continent as it strives to accommodate and sustain this growth.

Among Africa’s top three fastest-growing cities is Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city, with a population predicted to reach 6.2 million by 2025, while Nairobi, which is experiencing a growth of 500,000 people annually, comes in second.

As urbanization continues to accelerate, the government must invest in infrastructure, housing, and job creation to support the growing population. By harnessing the potential of urban areas, Kenya can drive its economic growth, create employment opportunities, and improve the quality of life for citizens.

Urbanization promotes economic growth and innovation by concentrating resources and talent in cities. Nairobi, with its population and diversified skill sets, is and will remain a hotspot for innovation and enterprise. This setting promotes cooperation and information exchange, resulting in the creation of new ideas and technology.

The proximity of enterprises and institutions in urban environs catalyzes competition and efficiency, propelling innovations. Urbanization facilitates access to a different pool of consumers, allowing companies to reach a larger market.

Through increasing efficiency and production, urbanization is essential for promoting sustainable growth. It is worth noting that over 80 per cent of the world’s GDP is generated in urban areas. For example, Nairobi County stands out as the wealthiest county in terms of economic output, contributing 27.5 per cent of Kenya’s total Gross Value Added in 2023.

The rapid urbanization has detrimental effects on the environment, including increased pollution and resource depletion. These factors can lead to serious problems, such as heightened levels of traffic congestion and air pollution, as emphasized by Governor Sakaja.

City planners and politicians must implement measures to address the challenges in urban areas. Rapid urbanisation not only has an environmental impact but also creates social and economic issues. The rush of people into cities can strain social services, resulting in overcrowding and limited access to healthcare and education. Rapid urbanisation can worsen economic inequality.

The government and stakeholders must prioritise inclusive and equitable urban development policies to solve these issues and build vibrant, resilient cities. Through the implementation of sustainable urban development strategies, we can strive towards building a more prosperous and sustainable future for all and reduce carbon footprint.

Policymakers need to prioritize sustainable urban planning and development to ensure that Nairobi city is an eco-city.

—The writer is an Innovations Evangelist and a PhD Candidate —[email protected]