The Terrorfic City

Abstract

Urban terror is increasingly becoming a normal phenomenon in modern day cities. Its impact is creating changes in building designs and urban form and in essence altering city life. It is well known that the city has always been, a place where freedoms are expressed and interactions blossomed. This is now being threatened by these alterations. The main objective of this research was to look into the effects of urban terrorism on Nairobi’s built environment and whether the interventions currently practiced are conducive to city life and form. In its analysis, the study used a survey design using exploratory and causal methodologies. Data was collected through questionnaires and backed up with interviews and field observations to support the arguments. The questionnaire survey was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and presented in charts and graphs while field observation was documented through photography. The results indicated that the City still has a long way in ensuring the safety of its citizens due to terror attacks. It also found out that through the methods used in securing buildings, the City is increasingly becoming segregational and is losing its vitality. The research concludes that the City need to re-appropriate its vivacity and proposes several methods to achieve this. Ultimately, it seeks to develop Nairobi as a city that is inclusive, joyful and one that promotes the civil liberties and freedom of its citizens.