Urban areas cannot run on outdated ideas

Urban areas are engines of economic growth and development all over the world. McKinsey Global Institute found that some 600 large urban areas in the world contribute up to 80 per cent of the GDP.

The study also found that Nairobi contributes 65 per cent of the country’s GDP.

Articles 184 and 200 of the Constitution provides for the enactment of legislation for the governance and management of urban areas, exemplified through the Urban Areas and Cities Act (2011).

The law requires counties to align urban programmes with the National Urban Development Policy to address issues such as effective urban governance, transportation and the economy.

Urban management issues have been treated with utmost care globally, which is why counties came up with the Shanghai China Declaration in 2010.

Urban areas cannot be run on outdated ideas because, as population increases, more services are required hence the need for enhanced innovation and efficiency.

This is what has been lacking in many urban areas, evidenced by dirty backstreets, inadequate water supply, ageing and poorly maintained houses, and unorthodox waste collection and transportation systems.

Then there are the clogged drainage systems, incomplete and poorly done footpaths and pedestrian walkways that are poorly lit, and criminal dens, among other challenges.

Inadequate delivery of urban services is a problem of bad politics, incompetence in urban governance, mediocrity and overall lack of vision from the persons charged with running urban affairs.

The method of nominating and electing urban leaders and officials must be based on merit and skills.

We must change the rules of engaging such officials and ensure they are fit for the demands of the 21st century; such people must be able to effectively make our urban areas achieve a myriad of development strategies in line with international obligations, which include sustainable urbanisation achieved through inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and human settlements.

The BBI should recommend ways of ensuring effective public participation by urban residents in developing their urban space, alongside sustainable ways for slum upgrading.