This archive report was first published on 23 July 2019.
Published on July 23, 2019, Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, has been a parasite to the country's economy for over 120 years. The city's economic parasitism is a result of its designation as the capital in 1899, which has led to a reliance on the surrounding counties for resources and economic growth.
One of the primary reasons for Nairobi's economic parasitism is its ability to extract money and other resources from the counties. The city's high population and demand for goods and services make it easy for businesses to raise prices, further exacerbating the parasitism. For example, a cup of tea and mandazi in Kinangop can cost as little as Sh20, while the same tea can cost up to Sh200 in a typical hotel in Nairobi.
The city's cultural parasitism is also a significant issue, with many people seeking to be associated with Nairobi and its perceived wealth and status. This has led to a brain drain, with many of the brightest and most talented individuals from across the country moving to Nairobi to pursue their careers.
Furthermore, Nairobi's economic parasitism has also led to a reliance on cheap labor from outside the city. Many security guards, house girls and boys, and gardeners are sourced from rural areas, contributing to the city's parasitism.
Attempts to end Nairobi's economic parasitism have been muted, with devolution only serving to enhance the city's parasitism. Officials from the counties continue to bring money back to the city, where it is spent or invested, further perpetuating the cycle of parasitism.
To address this issue, the author suggests the creation of regional cities, such as Garissa, Embu, Meru-Isiolo, Nakuru-Nyahururu, Eldoret-Kitale, Kisumu, Lodwar, Mombasa, Makindu, and Wajir, which would provide competition to Nairobi and help to deconstruct the city's 120-year-old obsession.
