This archive report was first published on 8 January 2020.
Published on January 8, 2020, Nairobi's dream of becoming one of the world's best cities remains elusive. Despite being ahead of other East and Central African capitals, the Kenyan metropolis lags behind its peers on the continent.
One of the primary reasons for this stagnation is the city's inability to provide basic amenities to its rapidly growing population. Traffic congestion, inadequate infrastructure, and poor waste management are just a few of the challenges that plague Nairobi.
The city's pollution levels are alarming, with the United Nations estimating that approximately 14,300 Kenyans die annually from health complications arising from indoor pollution. Nairobi, being the most populous county in Kenya, accounts for the majority of these casualties.
While the city presents a facade of prosperity, its infrastructure is dysfunctional, and its roads are congested with old vehicles that spew toxic exhaust fumes. According to the UN, these emissions account for 40% of the city's air pollution. The situation is further exacerbated by widespread poverty and corruption, which hinders the enforcement of by-laws.
Previous attempts to improve air quality have been ineffective, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and planning to transform Nairobi into a livable city.
