Challenges to inner city redevelopment in Nairobi: the case of Ngara

Abstract

Kenya continues to experience a rapid pace of urbanization and this has led to the increase in the number of urban centres and the expansion of the already existing centres. Nairobi City is the largest and among the oldest urban centre in Kenya. Due to the importance of Nairobi as the capital city, a major commercial centres and a major industrial centre it continues to attract many people due to the high economic and social opportunities that can be accessed in Nairobi. Due to its growth it has been necessary to extend the boundaries in order to accommodate the increased numbers of people and enterprises.

As a result of the growth of Nairobi many challenges can be observed in the development of Land in the Outer Suburbs and Rural Urban fringes including the provision and management of infrastructure and social facilities. On the other hand inner city areas are faced with challenges regarding access to redevelopment sites; the cost of expansion of infrastructure and social facilities; the cost of redevelopment; and the redevelopment strategies adopted.

Redevelopment challenges in inner city areas can be observed in Ngara Estate an area that has been rezoned for high density redevelopment. The pace of redevelopment is not satisfactory and this is evidenced on the ground by the existence of numerous numbers of old houses and stalled housing projects. The general objective of the study was to examine challenges of inner city parts of Nairobi redevelopment and draw lessons for Nairobi. The first specific objective was to examine the redevelopment needs in the inner city parts of Nairobi. The second specific objective was to establish the main challenges faced by developers in the context of comprehensive redevelopment. The last specific objective was to make recommendations with a view of addressing the above challenges.

The study adopted a case study research methodology in carrying out the research. The study went through relevant information provided by the CSHSF and KRSRBS on their redevelopment initiatives in Ngara. Specifically the research was to find out the challenges these two institutions have encountered in the process of comprehensively redeveloping their land parcels. The study established that the CSHSF and KRSRBS main challenges in the process of redevelopment of their respective land parcels are the construction costs and the various challenges associated with strategies followed. Finally the study has recommendations on how to address the identified challenges.