Discussion Paper No. 342 of 2024 on Review of Policy and Legal Framework for Smart and Sustainable Cities in Kenya

Abstract

Cities across the world are facing unprecedented difficulties in terms of sustainability, efficiency, and quality of life as urbanization continues to increase. Utilizing technology and data-driven solutions, popularly known as "smart and sustainable cities", has evolved as an effective strategy for dealing with urban-related challenges. Reflection on the key pillars that define smart and sustainable cities – smart people, smart living, smart economy, smart environment, smart mobility, smart infrastructure, and smart governance – is an important subject that this paper is focusing on. Smart and sustainable cities matter because they symbolize a future in which technology and creativity address challenges in urban areas by enhancing the quality of life and generate sustainable, resilient, and prosperous urban settings. This paper adopted a policy review framework that critically analyzes policy efforts and best practices from the benchmark city Zurich, noting its achievements and potential in each of the seven pillars while making a comparison to the policy initiatives across four Kenyan cities - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru to identify the policy gaps and make recommendations. Smart people: Key policy issues include low digital literacy, low information and awareness levels, inadequate community caring facilities, and inclusive education. In this regard, the county governments need to fast-track the implementation of the new CIDPs to provide more resources to fund digital literacy, and information awareness initiatives and provide caring community facilities to cater for the needs of vulnerable individuals. There is a need to enhance access, equity, and education in the cities.