Urbanization in Nairobi, Kenya

Written by: Kelly L. Hunter

“Urbanization is the concentration of humanity into cities” (Macionis, J. 2006. p. 426). Many factors contribute to the urban growth trends that take place across the globe in some of the world’s poorest cities. “Urbanization both redistributes population within a society and transforms many patterns of social life” (Macionis, J. 2006. p. 426). Urbanization takes place because people leave their small towns, communities, and villages in search of bigger cities where they have a greater chance of thriving economically.
“The greatest challenges facing mankind in the new millennium are rapid urbanization and increasing poverty” (Xinhua News, 2006, ¶ 1). Nairobi, Kenya in Africa has an estimated 2.3 million people who currently make up its population with an average yearly growth rate of 5.0% (Advameg Inc, 2007, ¶ 4). The President of Kenya, Mwai Kibaki, states that “Since 1950, mankind has experienced its most rapid expansion, from 2.5 billion to 6 billion people” (Xinhua News, 2006, ¶ 2).
“In October 2003, the United Nations reported that nearly a billion people—almost a third of the world’s urban dwellers and a sixth of all humanity—live in absolute squalor in slums” (Living, 2004, ¶ 1). Approximately 78.2% of urban populations are living in slums in some of the world’s poorest countries. “As population grows, land that can support only a tiny number is pressed to support beyond its capacity” (Living, 2004, ¶ 2). “The socio-economic implications associated with living in slums, includes land degradation, poor sanitation, and rapid disease transmission” Living, 2004, ¶ 1).

References

Kenya president highlights swelling urbanization and poverty. (April, 2003). Xinhua News Agency-CEIS, 1. Retrieved March 21, 2008 from ProQuest Newsstand database, (Document ID: 1014873431).

Living on the Edge. (December, 2004). Canada and the World Backgrounder, 70(3), 22-26. Retrieved March 21, 2008 from Research Library database, (Document ID: 782594971).

Macionis, J. J. (2006). Society: The basics (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Nairobi. Advameg Inc. (2007). Retrieved on March 21, 2008 from http://www.city-data.com