Assessment of Urban Neighborhood Sustainability: a Case Study of Ngara Estate, Nairobi

Abstract

The study is an assessment of urban neighbourhood sustainability. The study argues that unmanaged urban growth has led to urban issues such as environmental problems, poor infrastructure and congestion, among others, thus affecting urban neighbourhood sustainability. Urbanization/urban growth has also led to increased demand of land for urban uses such as residential and commercial. The specific objectives of the study were: (a) Identify the types of land uses in Ngara estate (b) Examine the indicators of a sustainable urban neighbourhood in the area (c) Propose measures to improve the quality of the neighbourhood and review some of the best-case studies. The data was sourced through the administration of household questionnaires, interviews and observation. The qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis techniques, whereas quantitative data analysis was employed to summarize information and data through percentages. The findings of the study revealed that 53.3% of emerging developments were mainly high-rise residential apartments, 26.7% were in the form of high-rise residential apartments cum commercial, 13.3% purely commercial in the form of offices, retail and hotels and 6.7% were student hostels. Challenges associated with solid waste management include delay in the collection of waste (44%), the high fee charged (29%) for waste collection and lack of citizen responsibility and/or bad attitude (27%) towards the management of solid waste. About 39% of the respondents reported that they do not have access to NMT facilities such as the cycling paths and walkways. The major cause of water pollution in the neighbourhood are discharge of raw sewer (38%), oil spillage (34%) and solid waste (28%). Approximately 45% of the respondents also reported that the burning of waste is a major concern as it pollutes the air. 33% felt that burning of fossil fuel contributes to air pollution as well. Dusty roads also contribute to air pollution as reported by 22% of the respondents. Causes of land degradation include cutting down of trees (18%), disposal of nonbiodegradable waste (67%) and light industrial waste (15%). Other issues are poor drainage (5%), poor hygiene (33%), inadequate facilities such as storage areas (5%) and theft (5%). A good number (82.7%) reported that the health facilities were adequate. Economic activities: Small-scale business accounts for 73% of economic activities whereas 27% were of medium scale. The study concludes that the existing and emerging land uses are of mixed-use in nature comprising uses such as residential and commercial uses. The key recommendations are preparation of land use plan or ‘action plan’ to guide developments in Ngara. Furthermore,