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How grabbers and crooked officials are killing children

 "These incidences are happening because the children have nowhere to play. Developers have even grabbed all parking spaces while others are being settled along power leave ways"

Some of the key highlights in the Nairobi City County Urban Planning Regulations show that there are no laws to guide provision, design, rehabilitation, use and management of open public spaces as well as lack of provisions to guide involvement of the citizens in the use and management of public spaces.

The regulations give citizens the right to access, use and enjoy public spaces.

"There is lack of a statutory provision for regularization of unauthorized developments that encroach and or occupy public utility plots," reads excerpts of the regulations formulated after a survey.

James Kangwana, the chairman of Kenya Tenants Union (KETU)-Africa linked the frequent injuries and fatalities to lack of open space. He says they foresaw the problem way back in 2007 when Musikari Kombo was minister of Local Government.

"These incidences are happening because the children have nowhere to play. Developers have even grabbed all parking spaces while others are being settled along power leave ways. There is a limit one can go in pushing a certain agenda. We even wrote to Kombo and his successor Mudavadi (Musalia) about the problem," explains James.

He claims that sensing that they were putting their lives on the line against developers not happy about their campaign, they abandoned the course, taking the seat back never to raise the finger again.

The official blames the City Hall's Building Inspection Unit for not stopping grabbing and checking on sub-standard housing structures.

Developers take advantage of the high demand of houses, ignoring safety measures like natural light openings, spacing, wheelchair access and ventilations.

Kenya Alliance of Resident Association (KARA) has approached National Land Commission (NLC) about the need to protect open spaces as a long term solution to the emerging safety concerns.

"The whole problem boils down to lack of play grounds because down there, it is either a road or grabbed space," says Henry Ochieng, KARA's programmes director.

However, the official advised parents with young children to take precautionary measures to avoid exposing kids to danger. According to the official, it is prudent to occupy well secured and structured houses.

Henry blamed the grabbing menace on powerful land cartels and weak resident associations. He says in areas where open spaces are intact, association officials have stood firm against grabbers who have even tried to intimidate and threaten his office.

"We are advocating for vibrant and strong associations that can protect these open spaces. Cartels take advantage of weakness and complacence of association by applying the divide and rule tactics. If you want your neighbourhood to be protected you must speak in one voice," noted Henry.

The highrise buildings characteristic of Nairobi's low cadre have no room for splendor and luxury. It is not unusual to spot balconies filled with worn-out household items like furniture, stashed cartons, mattresses, jerricans and plastic tanks.

The dream of about 60 percent of city residents vulnerable to health and deaths risks is to possess their own houses. But they have been confined to a life full of uncertainties due to low or unstable income.

Jeremiah Karani, the Kayole Estate Residents Association (KERA) chairman blames poor design of the balcony barriers. "It is easy for a child to slip through barriers that are sparsely spaced or climb over patterned or interlocking rails," explains Jeremiah.

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