Trendy, Not Modern

Nairobi is not only expanding at an alarming rate, but is also gaining global popularity as the city to be in - despite many of the challenges its citizenry face.

Many of us seem to be wrapped in this bubble where we are singing a tune of how Nairobi is a modern city. We feature on posts here and there about top 10 this and top 10 that. I think it's time we snap out of the bubble. Don't get me wrong, I love where I live and wouldn't trade my life here for anywhere (barring Scandinavian countries and their immaculate lifestyle 😁)

But it is high time we understand that there is a distinct difference between a modern city and a trendy one. No doubt that we are trendy and attractive.. but are we really modern?

1. Modern cities have a green Mantra. Every big, modern city has trees and parks that occupy a large part of its environs. In Nairobi, go green, has about zero value at present, new buildings have no trees, old trees are cut off, every green area is under threat. What a pity

2. Modern cities have organised transport systems - by this I mean buses and trains that leave and arrive at a place on schedule. There is an inherent discipline within the transport sectors - bus stops are designated, and definitely not placed outside a person's residence where matatus have a picnic blocking off anything in their way. Actually, come to think of it people have the sense to walk a short distance to catch a bus, and don't stutter around any corner and stop a bus in the middle of a highway. Yep, we are definitely off the mark here.

3. Modern cities are well planned. Anyone who thinks Nairobi is well planned needs to stop taking themselves seriously and just have a good laugh. Urban planning in this beautiful city of ours is a disaster. We have commercial buildings in residential areas, sewage systems that are as ancient as the colonial times, and a rail route that is absolutely ill planned in terms of its route (Don't even get me started here and on our priorities as a Nation)

4. Speaking of modern cities.... lets look at the provision of amenities. I believe we have a severe water shortage? I think most Nairobi residents have a constant battle with our electricity suppliers? Oh wait, I don think we even have a waste disposal plan. And these are just the tip of the iceberg...

I've only mentioned a few things here, but I believe that in itself should suffice to tell us we need to refocus our attention to fundamentals and apply a neoteric, green way of thought if we need to actually be considered a modern city!