| dc.description.abstract | There has been an explosive growth of urban areas that has brought fundamental
changes, not only to the physical landscape, but also to people's perceptions of land
and environment. Greenways, because of their key characteristics such as spatial
configuration and multi-functionality, bring to an urban area a wide range of
benefits. It is an important planning tool for achieving greater urban sustainability
and livability. This is brought about by the wide range of benefits greenways bring
to a city. This study explores urban celebrations through greenway networks for
Livable and sustainable cities. It establishes the socioeconomic and environmental
benefits of greenways and further highlights the challenges facing the development
of greenways. The study used a case of the Nairobi Central Business District.
The researcher used mixed methodology employing five sets of research instruments.
These included; questionnaire, interview schedule with key informants, document
analysis guide, observation schedule and photography. The questionnaire yielded 98
respondents while the interview schedules targeted several professionals in the
construction and design profession. The findings of this study indicate that the
socioeconomic and environmental benefits are many and lead to urban sustainability
and Livability which enhances urban celebrations. Some of these benefits of
greenways include the enhancement of the quality of life by improving the social
health, an avenue of recreation and socialization. Greenways also provide
connectivity, enhance mobility in urban settings, and provide contact with nature
leading to a vibrant society. Greenways are an important aspect in the historical
preservation of a people.
The study recommends that a greenways framework for the Nairobi Central Business
District be formulated and implemented. The framework should take into
consideration of the rich historical perspective of Kenya and which most of it can be
captured within its capital city: Nairobi. | en |
