HISTORICAL CHANGES IN NAIROBI CITY
Like most cities in the entire world, Nairobi city is experiencing dramatic growth in terms of population and infrastructure. For the last century, the city has grown and continues to grow with the population increase in that region. To begin with, the history of the town dates back to the 1900s when it was established as a railway depot. The construction of the railway complex and the surrounding buildings led to its expansion and urbanization. In 20 years, between 1906 and 1926, the city’s growth and changes were relatively slow. But it eventually picked up in years afterward as in which from 1944 onwards the town gradually expanded with increasing population. This was further supported by growth in infrastructures and administrative functions.
As years progressed, there was more development in the city caused by rapid population growth and urbanization. Such rapid expansion has, over the years, paved the way for roads, landscaped avenues, and parks, cathedrals, museums, art galleries, theaters as well as the construction of office buildings in the region. In the wake of the 21st century, that is between 2000 and 2010 Nairobi’s population rapidly grew, and this put pressure on the city’s infrastructure
Currently, Nairobi occupies an area of about 700 kilometers squared and has an urban footprint is made up of unplanned settlement which is driven by the rapid increase in population. Such rapid expansion has come at the expense of the natural environment where the urban sprawl has led to the construction of roads and other city infrastructures. Besides the observed growth trend of the city, it presents a socioeconomic concern and environmental challenges while putting a strain on existing infrastructure in the town.
Reference
Tibaijuki, A. (2007). Chapter 5: Nairobi and its Environment. Kenya Atlas, J. Barr, and C. Shisanya, Editors.