The ministry of lands recently released the integrated urban development master plan for Nairobi that covers the period to 2030. The master plan articulates the changes and adjustments needed to make the city a dynamic place for pragmatic urbanism.
According to the masterplan’s forecasts, the city’s employment population will increase by one million by 2030 and 583900 of these will be in office employment.
As a result, cumulatively the city will need about 600 ha of land for office space alone due to the increased demand. Considering the limited supply of land in the city and the exorbitant land prices, there is definitely a puzzle to solve. However, the master plan has some suggestions, some of which if properly implemented may prove to be practical solutions.
To begin with, the plan suggests a decentralization of Business, Administrative and Commerce functions. This could be done through the adoption of sub-centres with new urban transport network to disperse business functions from the centre. Over the past few years several multinationals have already set the pace, relocating from the CBD to set up their headquarters in the more conducive upcoming sub-centres like upper hill.
What to do with the most recent hawker invasion of the city centre? the 2030 master plan recommends that the CBD be re-developed to revitalize the city centre. Together with the renovation of the CBD, is the proposal for KRC’s railway yard to be developed as new urban core.
For those in love with the environment and greenery, the crafters of Nairobi’s future look have you at heart. The plan proposes to preserve existing forests, woods, rivers and river banks and restoration of open recreational space. Until this is done, you may still worry about the CBD’s deteriorating environment.
Regarding the industries, the master plan proposes that new industrial areas be allocated in the southern part of the city and existing industrial area should be re-developed for new urban functions.
And yes, there is room for Kenyan pride, how? Beautify the city through establishment of urban landscape regulation to preserve the city’s historical beauty for the citizen, according to the master plan.
One thing is sure, we’re closer to 2030 than 1930.
