In this era of transformation, cities are finally prioritizing walking and cycling in urban planning, local and national budgets, and for potential investors. This long-overdue change paves the way for a healthier, greener, safer, and more efficient future of urban transport.Part 1: Strategies and Tools for Financing Walking and Cycling Initiatives.Part 2: Local Commitment to […]
MIT CO-Lab: De-Colonizing Air Pollution
Follow this New conversation on Decolonizing Air Pollution Science in the context of different African countries! This Edition features the amazing Atmospheric Scientist Rebecca Garland, Epidemiologist Kofi Amegah, Scientist Noemi Tousignant and Urban Planner Constant Cap. Read the summary or listen to the whole episode! https://www.colab.mit.edu/colabradio-more/decolonize-science-ep4 Thanks @MITCoLab
African Cities: Development Control and Zoning
The rate of Urban development in African cities is at levels never experienced before. Sub-Saharan Africa is the least urbanized region globally, however, it nevertheless has the highest rate of urbanization. Small towns, municipalities, cities and metropolises are expanding at extremely high rates. Only three decades ago, Nairobi had a population of slightly over 1 […]
Africa: Only 2 BRTs North of Limpopo and South of the Sahara!
The recent increase in Africa’s urban motorized population has brought about several discussions on the need for sustainable and inclusive urban mobility. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Aerial Cable Cars, Monorail, Metro Systems and improved Non-Motorized Transport are now common terms in African newsrooms and professional transport conversations. Unlike cities in other parts of the world, […]
‘Riparian’ and ‘Regeneration’ – The new words in Nairobi City
The City of Nairobi has recently undertaken a vigorous initiative aimed at reclaiming wetlands. This is part of a wider city regeneration campaign by the Central Government. The campaign includes improving of the urban transport system, affordable housing and cleaning the Nairobi River basin. The strategy is well intentioned although critics disagree with the manner […]
Creating vibrant urban communities in large cities: Kilimani Project Foundation
In the last decade, the pace of urbanization, especially in Africa and Asia, has been rapid. It is predicted that by 2050 about 64% of the developing world and 86% of the developed world will be urbanized. That is equivalent to approximately 3 billion urbanites by 2050. In many fast-growing cities in Africa, what constitutes an urban […]
African Cities, Please Change the Narrative on Non Motorized Transit!
Non Motorized Transport means have gradually gained popularity in several of the world cities. In countries like the Netherlands, modes such as cycling are a way of life. In other cities such as Bogota, pedestrianization of streets has been promoted as a means of improving mobility and retail business. The promotion of Non Motorized Transport […]
Public vs Private Urban Housing, what direction for Nairobi, Kenya?
The recent drive towards an open market economy has led to the private sector providing various services that were traditionally under the mandate of the state or municipality. Critics, however, view this development as an opportunity for well-connected individuals to control essential services and reap profitable returns. In Nairobi, Kenya, some of the key areas […]
How Sustainable are the emerging Private Cities around Nairobi, Kenya?
Years back Ebenezer Howard proposed a ‘Garden City’ in his famous text “Garden Cities of Tomorrow. The world famous urbanist envisioned self-reliant and independent cities that are spacious and organized; have limited/controlled populace and unified land ownership. Le Corbusier later analyzed the challenges faced by increased urbanization in Europe and came up with his version […]
Countering the Increasing Energy Consumption in Growing Cities
Current global trends indicate that over 50% of the world’s human population lives in urban areas. Although the figure for the African continent is lower at 40%; its growth rate of 3.6 % is double the worlds average and the highest globally. Urban centres have greater requirements for the generation, distribution and consumption of energy […]
