Urban Underground Future: The Potential of Subsurface Utilization in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in Nairobi city is exerting pressure on the existing infrastructure and resources such as parking areas, the natural environment, freshwater supplies, roads, sewerage networks, communication lines, power lines, and the overall quality of life of city dwellers. While such association is vital, the city needs a new frontier that could provide a significant contribution to future spatial requirements as an essential part of improving the quality of the urban environment. Nairobi has long enjoyed being a hub of finance and culture in the East African region. It has high land values, clear and coherent legislation for surface solutions but lacks clear rules and standards for underground construction. The main aim of this study was to identify the main problems risking both the functionality and quality of life in Nairobi city and to explore the various approaches to development, planning, geology, policies, and projects being delivered and considered globally focusing on the need for good and professional planning of underground space. The research was carried out in Nairobi. The study was designed as a survey that started with a desk study followed by semi-structured interviews using an interview schedule. The findings show that underground space provides a strategic solution by providing an additional spatial and service layer for transportation and utility infrastructure freeing up surface space which can be used more efficiently and effectively. This has the potential to improve accessibility, safety, the competitiveness of cities, and the overall quality of life of the city dwellers. However, this comes at huge initial costs but lower lifecycle costs. This paper concludes that underground space can contribute to making the city sustainable, more resilient and cope with rapid urbanization. The paper recommends that in the not too distant future, the implementation of underground facilities should be considered equally as valuable as surface solutions in Nairobi, Kenya.