This is the second and final part of the blog I wrote two weeks ago. This was my second visit in the recent past to Nairobi, Kenya, after a six-year hiatus. The city has undergone a remarkable transformation. It has shed its old skin and is emerging as a vibrant, modern metropolis.
As an advocate of sustainability and ESG, I was certainly looking for elements that are connected to decarbonisation and climate mitigation. Interestingly Kenya sources up to 91% of its energy from renewables: 47% geothermal, 30% hydro, 12% wind and 2% solar. Fossil fuels contributed 7% to the energy mix.
The country hopes to transition fully to renewables by 2030. Additionally, Kenya has prioritized low-carbon resilient investments to reduce its already low greenhouse gas emissions to 32% by 2030.
The USAID-backed Power Africa initiative has enhanced access to clean, reliable, and affordable electricity in Kenya. Combined with private sector participation, the initiative has helped more than one million Kenyans access electricity through new mini-grid installations and solar home systems.
The visible change that caught my attention was the element of growth and prosperity. Thanks to the infrastructure development. Once-congested roads were now de-congested, smoother, wider, and uncluttered, because of significant investments. The iconic Nairobi-Mombasa rail and road connectivity has undeniably revitalized the city’s economy.
The Nairobi skyline is now punctuated by towering skyscrapers, a testament to its growing economic prowess, reminiscent of any global metropolis. It was refreshing to see the Kenyan government actively addressing long-standing challenges such as power supply.
While there’s still room for improvement, the increasing adoption of decentralized power generation and solar energy adoption is undoubtedly addressing the rural and urban power supply barriers.
But it wasn’t just the physical infrastructure that had changed. The people of Nairobi looked more hopeful and more determined to work for a better future. A palpable energy filled the air.
Another striking difference is the air quality. Being accustomed to the polluted air in Indian cities, it was refreshing to breathe the clean, fresh air, a luxury that has become increasingly rare in many parts of the world.
In contrast to what I saw during my last visit 6 years ago, this time, the city looked clean. The city’s commitment to cleanliness was evident in the well-maintained local markets and efficient waste management systems. I credit the local communities, the people, and the system for this tremendous improvement.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Nairobi’s infrastructure is its rainwater management system. It rained almost every day. The downpour turned thunderous on the day I was leaving. I was on the road traveling from one end of the city to the other. And I had the opportunity to witness how water drains off the road quickly. The sight of rainwater flowing smoothly through the streets was a testament to the city’s commitment to urban planning. The picture attached here demonstrates it.
Kenya as a country may be in the news for all the wrong reasons, but the ground reality is a far cry. Like many other developing nations, it faces its share of challenges, including corruption inequality, etc.
These changes sync with The Kenya Vision 2030 aims to transform Kenya into a newly industrializing, middle-income country providing a high quality of life to all its citizens by 2030 in a clean and secure environment.
The conclusion I want to draw here is that this geography is transforming from ‘A Land of Hopelessness to A Land of Hope and Growth.’
