Urban Innovations Project

The Urban Innovation Project is facilitated with funding from the Rockefeller Foundation and is based at the School of

Background

the Built Environment,

Since 2006, UN-Habitat and other international agencies have identified the urgent need for reformed urban planning systems to address urban challenges in the global south. In particular, there is growing consensus that planners and designers are a key entry point for addressing challenges in the rapidly emerging urban centers and sprawling cities.

University of Nairobi

The Challenge

of Columbia, USA amongst

In Africa, the inevitable consequences of rapid urbanization decoupled from economic growth are extreme levels of urban poverty, unemployment, pervasive slum conditions and survival supported primarily by the informal sector. These problems are a deep reflection of a long history of inequitable power relations, democratic institutional failure, skewed exclusive urban policy and planning processes. Planners trained in traditional methodologies have often been criticized as being part of the problem.

The project collaborates with KIPPRA , the University other institutions on issues pertaining to community development, sustainable urban planning and management

We believe that without the transformation of urban planning and design to help create public oversight over land use and refashion inequitable relations, sustainable urban development will remain elusive.

The Approach The overall objective of UIP is to create a forum for exploring innovative methodologies for enabling professional planners and designers be more responsive and effective in addressing challenges in contemporary and future African urban settlements. A key part of the approach is nurturing collaborative planning processes that are participatory, transparent, democratic and receptive to solid research and technical input. The initiative will be met through three interlinked activities or components: Applied Urban Research and City Lab; Urban Planning and Design Studios; and Urban Policy, Planning Dialogue and Continuous Professional Development courses. The challenges of informal settlements in African cities

Applied Research & City Lab Strategic Objectives Undertake action oriented research on thematic areas and issues to feed into city lab activities. The City Lab aims to foster linkages of informed research knowledge with inclusive public policy making and collaborative urban planning processes.

Anticipated Outcomes

Planning session at Durp

Foster knowledge based encounters between researchers and communities in affected areas. Share research outcomes with relevant authorities and document for dissemination. Trigger and instigate debate on relevant matters and issues.

Core Activities 1. Informal settlement profiling in Mukuru. 2. Research on neighbourhood associations within Ruiru Municipality. 3. Research on community policing for urban crime reduction. 4. Site visits and community forums.

University of Nairobi Department of Urban and Regional Planning School of the Built Environment

Urban Planning & Design Studio Strategic Objectives Build partnerships with local authorities, planning institutions, civic associations, communities, neighbourhoods in providing sustainable planning and design interventions to local urban problems. Target action oriented studios that foster greater networks between academia and public participation.

Anticipated Outcomes Build stronger networks between the university and local authorities. Create a working relationships with ALGAK, NGOs and local government.

Core Activities 1. Urban Studio with third year students and the Town Council of Karuri. 2. Model Kiosks development on road reserves with first year MA and the City Council of Nairobi.

Tripartite Planning Relationship

3. Negotiated approach to sustainable Riparian management in Mathare (Kosovo) with Pamoja Trust, CCN and students. 4. Mukuru neighbourhood plan with Practical Action and Nairobi Water.

Policy, Dialogue & CPD Strategic Objectives Facilitate critical planning dialogue and policy discourses amongst key stakeholders. Establish human capacity development for practitioners in urban development.

Anticipated Outcomes

Chief’s Baraza meeting at Mukuru, April 2009.

Share lessons learnt with the AAPS network of Planning Schools leading to the revitalization of planning education and professional practice in Africa. Achieve a skilled and modern planning workforce to meet the needs of the 21 century.

Core Activities 1. Hold regular planning briefs, seminars/workshops, roundtables, public forums/hearings and policy discourses. 2. Initiate relevant training and skill development modules for continuous professional development of planners and designers, city managers, officers, ALGAK, and civic leaders.

How to Participate: (Both Faculty of ADD & UIP Partners. Guidelines are available for respective activities.) Requirements: 1. Concept note 2. Research Proposal / Planning Brief 3. Proposed Budget / Work Plan Outputs: - Presentation to UIP seminars / Cit Lab - Research / Studio reports (Full and summary) Design and Layout: Henry Miheso, June 2009

Dignitaries at the annual KIP National Planners Conference May 2009

Contact: URBAN INNOVATION PROJECT Department of Urban and Regional Planning School of the Built Environment University of Nairobi P O Box 30197, Nairobi Kenya Tel: 020 2711574 Mobile: 0722 658781

Email contacts: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]