Country Report for WUF 10
Republic of Kenya
The National Urban Forum Country Report To
Cities of Opportunities Connecting Culture and Innovation
KENYA COUNTRY REPORT TO
THE TENTH SESSION OF THE WORLD URBAN FORUM
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
8TH TO 13TH FEBRUARY 2020
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES vii
ACRONYMS ix
FOREWORD vii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ix
INTRODUCTION xiv
CHAPTER ONE 1
DIALOGUE ONE: URBANIZATION, CULTURE AND INNOVATION 1
1.0 Overview 1
1.1 Legislative Framework on Culture, Urbanization and Innovation 1
1.2 Best Practices 2
1.2.1Lamu Annual Cultural Festival 2
1.2.2 The Isukuti Dance of Western Kenya 3
1.2.3 Kenyatta University Cultural Week Celebrations 4
1.2.4 Kalasha International Film and Television Festival 5
1.2.5 Kenya School Music and Drama Festivals 5
1.2.6 Transportation, Art and Culture 6
1.2.7 Language and Communication 7
CHAPTER TWO 8
DIALOGUE TWO: DRIVING SUSTAINABLE URBANIZATION THROUGH INNOVATION AND CULTURE 8
2.0 Overview 8
2.1 Sustainable Urbanization, Innovation and Culture Nexus 8
2.2 Policy and Legislative Framework 9
2.3 Country-level initiatives 10
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2.3.1 Technical and Vocational Training 10
2.3.2 The Urban Resilience Hackathon of May 2019 10
2.3.3 The Kenya Urban Design Competition of 2016 11
CHAPTER THREE 12 DIALOGUE THREE: TRADITION AND MODERNITY; A CREATIVE CONVERGENCE FOR BETTER CITIES. 12
3.0 Overview 12
3.1 Policy and Legislative Framework 13
3.2 Best Practices 13
3.2.1 Church-run versus Traditional Rites of Passage 13
3.2.2 Cultural Nights 13
3.2.3 Lake Turkana Festival 14
3.2.4 Mombasa Carnival 15
3.2.5 Maralal Camel Derby Festival 16
3.2.6 Safari Rally 17
3.2.7 Ngong Race Course 18
3.2.8 Wearing Kenyan Made Clothes Directive 18
3.2.9 Care for the Elderly in Kenya 18
3.2.10 Rollout of Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) and Competence Based Education and Training (CBET) 19
CHAPTER FOUR 20
DIALOGUE FOUR: FRONTIER TECHNOLOGIES AND SUSTAINABLE CITIES
4.0 Overview 20
4.1 Policy and Legislative Framework 20
4.2 Best practices of Frontier Technologies in Kenya 21
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4.2.1 Twiga Foods Limited 21
4.2.2 Tulaa 22
4.2.3 Lake Turkana Wind Power 22
4.2.4 50MW Garissa Solar Power Station 23
4.2.5 NAWASSCOAL Makaadot.com - Converting Waste to Wealth 23
4.2.6 Fintech on Financial Services Industry in Kenya 24
4.2.7 Block chain Technology 25
4.2.8 Technological Parks 25
4.2.9 M-Akiba 26
4.2.10 Huduma Kenya 26
4.2.11 Constituency Innovation Hubs 26
4.2.12 Damu–Sasa 27
4.2.13 MyDawa App 28
4.2.14 M-Tiba 28
CHAPTER FIVE 29
DIALOGUE FIVE: URBAN PLANNING AND HERITAGE PRESERVATION/ REGENERATION 29
5.0 Overview 29
5.1 Policy and Legislative Framework 29
5.1.1National Spatial Plan (2015-2045) 29
5.1.2 Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2017 on National Land Use Policy 30
5.1.3 Sessional Paper No. 6 on National Urban Development Policy 2016 30
5.1.4 County Governments Act, 2012 31
5.1.5. Urban Areas and Cities Act, 2019 31
5.1.6 Registration and processing of Title Deeds 31
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5.2 Best Practices 31
5.2.1 Luthuli Avenue Regeneration: Towards zero carbon, safe, inclusive and sustainable streets and public spaces in Kenya 31
5.2.3 Mama Ngina Drive Waterfront Park Regeneration 32
5.2.4 Fort Jesus, Mombasa 33
5.2.5 Lamu Old Town 34
5.2.6 Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley 34
5.2.7 Kit Mikayi-Kisumu 34
5.2.8 The Old Town of Mombasa 35
CHAPTER SIX 36
DIALOGUE SIX: PARTNERSHIPS AND INITIATIVES SUPPORTING CULTURE AND INNOVATION IN CITIES 36
6.0 Overview 36
6.1 Policy and Legislative Framework 36
6.1.1 Sustainable Development Goal No. 17 on Partnership for the Goals 36
6.1.2 East African Community law on promotion of culture and creative industries 36
6.1.3 The Kenya Foreign Policy, 2014 36
6.1.4 Public Private Partnership Act, 2013 37
6.1.5 The National Policy on Culture and Heritage 2009 37
6.2 Best Practices 37
6.2.1 Member of the International Federation for Art Councils and Culture Agencies Dialogues on culture policies 39
6.2.2 Participation in cultural exchange dialogue meetings with friendly nations 39
6.2.3 Facilitating Mobility of Artists through Cultural protocols 39
6.2.4 Promotion of Culture and Creative Industries/Creative Economy 39
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CHAPTER SEVEN 42
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN CONNECTING CULTURE AND INNOVATION 42
7.0 Challenges 42
7.1 Opportunities 42
REFERENCES 44
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1:Donkey Race and people during the annual cultural festival in Lamu 3 Figure 2: Members of the Isukuti cultural dance performing during a National function 4 Figure 3:Performers participating in the Kenyatta University cultural week 4 Figure 4:Vehicle Graffiti 6 Figure 5:Critical Mass Nairobi riding event, January 2020 7 Figure 6: Taxi companies in Kenya 7 Figure 7:Winning Entry for Kenya Urban Design Competition 11 Figure 8:Traditional versus Church-run rite of passage 13 Figure 9:Posters for various cultural nights 14 Figure 10:Lake Turkana festival 15 Figure 11:Mombasa Carnival 16 Figure 12:Maralal camel derby 17 Figure 13:Flagging off Safari Rally 17 Figure 14:Elderly people wait to receive their monthly stipend in Molo, Nakuru County. 18 Figure 15: Produce checking for any blemishes, graded and packed, graded and packed into crates ready to be transported to the cold storage rooms for ripening and the retailer who has registered with the app gets his produce delivered to his workplace 21 Figure 16:Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, Marsabit County. 22 Figure 17:Garissa Solar Power Plant, Garissa County. 25 Figure 18:Human waste sludge undergoing the stirring process before the drying process starts.Source:https://theslopes.co.ke/human-waste-fuel-gains- unprecedented-popularity-in-nakuru/ 24 Figure 19: Sun drying the briquettes 24 Figure 20: Residents of Soy Constituency, Uasin Gishu County at Nukiat Constituency Innovation Hub working online. 27 Figure 21:Students from Icon Primary School at Kamukunji Constituency Innovation Hub, Nairobi County having computer literacy classes and Residents of Uasin Gishu getting trained on necessary online work skills by Ajira Digital at Kapteldet ICT Center respective 27
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Figure 22: Luthuli Avenue before and after regeneration 32 Figure 23:Mama Ngina Drive Waterfront Park before regeneration. 32 Figure 24:Mama Ngina Drive Waterfront Park after regeneration 33 Figure 25: Fort Jesus Mombasa 33 Figure 26: Lamu old Town 34 Figure 27: Kit-Mikayi in Kisumu County 35 Figure 28:The Old Town of Mombasa 35 Figure 29: 1st United Nations Habitat Assembly, May 2019 38
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ACRONYMS
ACK Anglican Church of Kenya AISL Advanced IT Solution ASPM Adaptive Settlement Planning Model CBC Competence Based Curriculum CBET Competence Based Education and Training CBK Central Bank of Kenya CEWARN Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism CIH Constituency Innovation Hubs CITAM Christ Is The Answer Ministry CoG Council of Governors CoK Constitution of Kenya CSOs Civil Society Organizations CSUDP Civil Society Urban Development Platform CURI Center for Urban Research and Innovation EAC East African Community GDP Gross Domestic Product HLM2 The Second High-Level Meeting of the Global Partnership ICT Information, Communication and Technology ICTA Information, Communication and Technology Authority IFACCA International Federation for Art Councils and Cultural Agencies IGAD ` The Intergovernmental Authority on Development KENIA Kenya National Innovation Agency KEPSA Kenya Private Sector Alliance KISIP Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Project KSHS Kenya Shillings KUSP Kenya Urban Support Programme KW Kilo Watt
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MDGs Millennium Development Goals MoICT Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology MW Mega Watt NCSP Nakuru County Sanitation Programme NHC National Habitat Committee NUA New Urban Agenda PCEA Presbyterian Church of East Africa PDTP Presidential Digital Talent Programme PT Pamoja Trust RCC Roman Catholic Church SDGs Sustainable Development Goals SIDA Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency SMS Short Message Service SUED Sustainable Urban Economic Development TICAD IV The Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development UHC Universal Health Coverage UNDAF United Nations Assistance Framework UNESCO United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization UN-HABITAT United Nations Human Settlements Programme UN United Nations UNDAF United Nations Development Assistance Framework UNSDF United Nations Sustainable Development Framework UON University of Nairobi USD United States Dollar WUF World Urban Forum
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FOREWORD
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report details the six (6) dialogues that speak to the Tenth Session of the World Urban Forum(WUF) theme on “Cities of Opportunities: Connecting Culture and Innovation”. The report highlights attempts by Kenya in ensuring that cities provide a link between culture and innovation, while ensuring sustainable development. The introduction captures global, regional and national urbanization trends. It also examines the role of innovation and culture in transforming cities into engines of economic development.
The main report contains seven chapters, six of which are dialogues and the seventh one speaks to challenges and opportunities.
Chapter One covers dialogue one on “Urbanization, Culture and Innovation”. It discusses how urbanization interacts with culture and innovation and confirms cities are indeed melting pots of cultural diversity as manifested by cultural and racial diversity in most cities of Kenya. People converge in cities for business and livelihood opportunities, pursuit of education, social, tourism (international and domestic) and other ventures. Some key factors that shape culture in urban settings are: - technology, communication, language and transportation.
Chapter Two covers dialogue two on “Driving Sustainable Urbanization through Innovation and Culture.” With about 30% of the population living in urban areas and an urbanization rate of 4.3% per annum, Kenya is at an early stage of urbanization and can take advantage of this to mainstream and leverage innovation and culture to drive economic growth for sustainable development.
Chapter Three covers dialogue three on “Tradition and Modernity; a Creative convergence for Better Cities”. It seeks to establish a traditional-modernity continuum for sustainable cities. To better enhance resilient cities, a proper understanding of traditional cultural practices should be sought.
Chapter Four covers dialogue four on “Frontier Technologies and Sustainable Cities”. It highlights various innovations and technologies, which are key in driving sustainable cities in Kenya. As a key driver for the 4th Industrial revolution, adoption of frontier technologies is a key driver of transforming cities into engines of economic growth as well as in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Chapter Five covers dialogue five on “Urban Planning and Heritage Preservation/ Regeneration”. It highlights efforts that have been put forth in regional and national planning for sustainable cities in Kenya. It also highlights best practices geared towards preservation of heritage sites and regeneration initiatives in Kenya.
Chapter Six covers dialogue six on “Partnerships and initiatives Supporting Culture and Innovation in Cities”. It discusses policies and frameworks that promote global, regional and local partnerships geared towards protection of culture and innovation in cities and human settlements.
Chapter Seven covers opportunities available in Kenya as well as challenges facing Kenya in a bid to achieve sustainable urbanization.
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INTRODUCTION
Urbanization is inevitable and irreversible. Global urban estimates indicate that by the year 2030, approximately five billion people will be living in urban areas across the globe with about 95 percent of this population being in developing countries. Projections indicate that by the year 2050, over seventy percent of the world’s population will live in cities. This rapid urban growth will be particularly notable in Africa and Asia. In the case of Kenya, 32 percent of the population lived in cities and towns in 2009.
Today, urban heritage can play a fundamental role in enhancing cities’ identities and in providing a platform for social and economic development by creating capitals of culture where local dimensions, citizen participation and sustainability can thrive. Urbanization can propel economic growth and prosperity if properly anticipated and harnessed while on the other hand, it can result in urbanization of poverty and squalor if ill prepared for.
Cities are places where creative problem-solving flourishes even at the backdrop of climate change, migration and economic inequality. Further, they provide crucial resources for our future because they are not only population aggregation centres but also knowledge hubs and sustainable power plants. They serve as first shelters for immigrant people and hence are fertile environments for old and new trading and innovation projects. Consequently, they are centres of intelligence concentration where local answers to global challenges can be and are being identified and experimented.
In today’s context where the world is becoming more digitized and interconnected, there is a natural intersection between arts and technology which provides an opportunity for cities to find synergies between artists and innovators. Consequently, combining their creative brain power yields new ways of thinking about new solutions to old problems. Today’s world is increasingly interconnected and innovation has become key to ensuring a competitive economy. Digital technologies have expanded the scope of creative expression and broadened the distribution of cultural elements beyond local and national frontiers.
Innovation is considered to be the panacea shelter under which responses to the planetary struggle must be identified and through which urban societies can accomplish their difficult and complex tasks. However, any innovation process needs to be framed in terms of the wider impacts targeted, determining the level at which innovation itself is engaged in the sustainability game.
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Cultural products are increasingly transboundary creations that can be exchanged throughout the world via the media and the internet, which has generated new possibilities for cities in disaster-risk prevention. The influence of globalization on culture has given rise to concerns related to its impact on local cultures, with the risk of homogenization and commodification. While the increase of new actors, including multinational business enterprises, can question local identities, cultural products, manufactured in several countries as part of a global production chain, can leave poorer countries at the lowest end of the chain and its financial rewards. The increased competition and human mobility brought on by globalization processes have also seen city and regional authorities turn to harnessing cultural assets and resources as a form of place-making or branding to build competitive advantage. Cities and their citizens have introduced strategies for conserving heritage and revitalizing local culture for economic growth.
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CHAPTER ONE DIALOGUE ONE: URBANIZATION, CULTURE AND INNOVATION
1.0 Overview
Culture grows day and night since it is a way of life for its subjects, transmitted from one generation to another making it the backbone of humanity. Culture bonds and never segregates its subjects from their own. It unites people and never tries to divide them racially, economically, linguistically or in any other form or vice. Cities are indeed melting pots of cultural diversity as manifested by cultural and racial diversity in most cities of developing countries. People of various nationalities, races, ethnicities, cultures, religions and other walks of life converge in cities for business and livelihood opportunities, pursuit of education, social, tourism (international and domestic) and other ventures. Some key factors that shape culture in urban settings are: - technology, communication and language as well as transportation.
Culture in this context does not only refer to heritage customs and beliefs but can also be defined as a way of doing things and in particular new thinking and new ideas which eventually result in innovations. Some examples include urban regeneration, behaviour, innovative and decent ways of earning income and transacting business.
1.1 Legislative Framework on Culture, Urbanization and Innovation
The Constitution of Kenya (CoK) recognizes freedom of expression in relation to artistic expression and promotion of language and culture in Articles 33 and 44 respectively. Kenya also has a National Policy on Culture and Heritage 2009 that recognizes the vital role that culture plays in sustainable development. Many communities in Kenya are now keen to celebrate and safeguard their unique cultures. Communities are now more aware of their social cultural rights and are demanding recognition of their cultures in development including going to court to seek redress against development activities that violate their culture.
Vision 2030 further recognizes the importance of innovation in the creation of new opportunities for the youth and women under which the cultural and creative industries can flourish. Among Vision 2030 flagship projects is the development of an international arts and cultural centre for promotion of youth talent and dialogue of cultures.
The Government of Kenya in 2014 passed a regulation on airing local content for broadcast
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requiring stations to ensure 40% local content on television and radio stations. This has expanded the markets for distribution of local films, plays and music. The policy direction has opened new avenues for local artists and producers creating new jobs and income opportunities for distribution of cultural goods and services. It has further increased diversity of cultural expressions broadcast to citizens who can now enjoy cultural content in local languages.
With regard to gender mainstreaming, traditionally, women in polygamous marriages and the girl child were discriminated against inheritance. However, amendment of the law of succession in 2019 has now empowered women and the girl child to access equal opportunities in inheritance.
1.2 Best Practices
Various towns and cities are identified in Kenya with unique cultural practices and activities. For instance, the city of Kisumu has been associated with the culture of fishing and fish trade along the lake shores. This has contributed to a culture in small scale trading and employment creation leading to local economic development.
Other towns have elaborate annual cultural festivals. These festivals showcase and transmit cultural traditions and practices through performances and exhibitions. They also nurture talent and promote intercultural understanding of various communities’ rich and diverse cultural expressions. These festivals are major tourist attractions both at local and international levels and provide market for cultural artefacts. Some of these cultural festivals include: -
1.2.1Lamu Annual Cultural Festival
Lamu Old Town serves as the cradle of civilization for the Swahili people. This is commemorated through the many cultural festivals and Islamic celebrations in the town. These include: -the Lamu Culture Festivals, Maulidi Festivals, Yoga Festivals, Food Festivals, Kofia Festivals, Arts/Painters Festivals and the Lamu Triathlon; promotion of Traditional Games and Sports such as Donkey Races, Dhow/Mashua Races, Dumna, Bao la Kete and Keeram among many others. This is timed each year around October/ November to coincide with high tides that create ideal conditions for the large Jahzi and smaller Mashua Dhows that gather to take part in a series of races. These events celebrate the integral elements of the Lamu way of life, the sea and the dhows and donkeys that are the main forms of transport on the island.
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Figure 1:Donkey Race and people during the annual cultural festival in Lamu Source: traveldiscoverykenya.com, Jan 2020
By demonstrating the value of local traditions and customs, the festival strengthens community values and instills a sense of pride in Lamu residents, both young and old. The festival is held each year since 2001 organized by Lamu Cultural Promotion Group. It entails showcasing of the many diverse customs of the archipelago, that include readings and presentations by local poets and writers, storytelling and musical and traditional performances and dances, henna painting, Muhunzi(iron-smithing), Kutema(wood- carving), dhow making, Kusuka(mat-making), Makuti(palm weaving) and much more. Some regions in Kenya are also identified with cultural practices such as: -
1.2.2 The Isukuti Dance of Western Kenya
The Isukuti dance is a traditional performance practiced among the Isukha and Idakho communities. It takes the form of a fast-paced, energetic and passionate dance accompanied by drumming and synchronized singing. It is a vehicle for cultural transmission and harmonious coexistence between families and communities; it is performed on numerous occasions throughout people’s lives.
To preserve this enriching cultural dance, the Isukuti dance of the Isukha and Idakho communities was inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in Paris, France in November, 2014. This inscription was part of 38 others Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent safeguarding then. Its purpose is to help States mobilize International Cooperation and assistance to ensure the transmission of the cultural practices inscribed with the participation of the communities concerned.
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Figure 2: Members of the Isukuti cultural dance performing during a National function
1.2.3 Kenyatta University Cultural Week Celebrations
Kenyatta University cultural week is an age old co-curricular activity that is filled with entertainment and creative activity. Locals and foreigners participate in this event. Kenyatta University students, various entertainers and companies showcase their talents. The annual multi-discipline one-week event incorporates acrobatics, visual arts, applied arts, comedy, cuisine, dance, fashion, film, exhibitions, literature and music. It has largely contributed to promoting innovations and talent in the music and film industry resulting in employment creation and preservation of culture. Talented students from the university have developed life-time careers from the experience and mentorship programme of the cultural week and established firms that have absorbed many gifted and unemployed youth.
Figure 3:Performers participating in the Kenyatta University cultural week
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1.2.4 Kalasha International Film and Television Festival
The Kenya Film Commission has been implementing an award programme dedicated to promoting culture, stories, creativity and skills within the East African region. The Kalasha International Film and Television Festival and Market brings under one roof 3 main activities: The Kalasha Eastern Africa Film and Television Trade Show; The Kalasha International Film Festival and the Kalasha Film and Television Awards. The programme is a creative hub that brings together players from the Eastern Africa Film and Television industry in one place and at the same time; offering a platform for all the players and the festival goers from the film and television industry to gather, discuss, exchange, collaborate, share stories and develop new business opportunities. The main objective of the programme is to showcase Kenya as a major regional hub for film and television production, post-production and distribution across all platforms and genres while reinforcing the uniqueness of Kenya as a shooting location. It is a catalyst in creating a vibrant film and television industry which contributes in shaping Kenya’s image at the international level, enhances tourism, provides employment and foster local productions and skills.
In 2014, the film commission negotiated for a film incentive and stimulus package which was granted in 2015. The incentives are in favor of the local filmmaker and partially make the film industry attractive for foreign film makers. The Commission has carried out an independent film industry gap analysis baseline survey to determine the skills gap within the film industry in Kenya with proposed recommendations on how to enhance production and uptake of local content aired by broadcasters and Cinema theatres.
1.2.5 Kenya School Music and Drama Festivals
The Kenya Music and Drama Festivals is a programme under the Ministry of Education that nurtures artistic talents in music and drama. The main objective of the festival is to promote culture as one of the goals of education as well as promote extracurricular activities within the school programmes. It is an annual event fully funded by the government which provides opportunities for school pupils and college students to create and showcase drama and music artistic and cultural creations at a national festival. The programme provides a platform for pupils and students to express their cultural expressions competitively.
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The programme through competition starts from the local level to get entry to the national level. The competitive nature of the festival provides an opportunity for students and pupils to be creative in their talents. The festival has enabled some of its participants to link up with producers after school and have made careers from their creativity. Indeed, the current education reforms in Kenya which have been ongoing for the last two years have recommended that creative arts subjects be introduced as examinable subjects in the curriculum to enable those with talents pursue arts as careers.
1.2.6 Transportation, Art and Culture
Transportation innovations in Kenya have given rise to the matatu culture which has largely shaped the dressing, language, lifestyle, art and interaction in the matatu industry which is unique to Nairobi. The matatu industry has over the years been a platform for artistic expression through graffiti which are various decorations and paintings drawn on the vehicles. These graphics done on the vehicles have promoted growth of talent in art and design among the youth thus generating income and promoting creativity of the youth.
Figure 4:Vehicle Graffiti
Cycling has recently experienced a shift as Non-motorised transport culture through the Critical Mass Nairobi, which is a group of (300-500) cyclists who ride together every last Saturday of the month. Their goal is to get as many people back on bicycles and revolutionize our transport system by making cycling cool again. It was started in 2016 with 20 cyclists and has since held over 30 rides impacting nearly 1000 people.
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Figure 5:Critical Mass Nairobi riding event, January 2020 Source: Critical Mass
The advent of mobile app transportation solutions is a key shift in urban culture and innovation. In Kenya for instance, the mobile app solution has been well received and domesticated. A number of local companies have sprung up in various towns such as the Wasili Company in Nakuru, Little Cab and JimCab among others which operate in major towns in Kenya. This has resulted in the creation of employment opportunities for many in urban areas. It has also enhanced convenience and access of transportation in urban areas.
Figure 6: Taxi companies in Kenya
1.2.7 Language and Communication
Communication has evolved particularly amongst young generation in Nairobi and key urban areas and given rise to a language commonly used by the young people of Kenya referred to as “Sheng”. This language keeps evolving and brings together people of different age groups and dialects together enhancing communication among different cultural groups.
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CHAPTER TWO DIALOGUE TWO: DRIVING SUSTAINABLE URBANIZATION THROUGH INNOVATION AND CULTURE 2.0 Overview
The crucial role of cities in promoting sustainable development focus on people and the respect of human rights is recognized in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which includes among its 17 goals a specific objective to ‘make cities and human settlement inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable’ and identifies culture and creativity as one of the essential levers for action in this context.
2.1 Sustainable Urbanization, Innovation and Culture Nexus
Projections indicate that about 5 billion people or 60% of the world population will live in urban areas by 2030; and that approximately 90% of urbanization will take place in developing countries hence cities are the locus of significant global challenges. As population increases, cities are becoming more heterogeneous and cultural diversity in cities continues to widen. This has important implications for how urban areas are planned and managed to ensure that everyone living in the city can access its benefits and cultural advantages and that no one is left behind. That is, planning and management of cities and human settlements should be carried out in a manner that cultural heritage is protected, conserved and promotes holistic lifestyles for residents in the cities and human settlements. With about 30% of the population living in urban areas as of 2017, and an urbanization rate of 4.3% per annum, Kenya is at an early stage of urbanization and can take advantage of this to mainstream and leverage innovation and culture to drive economic growth for sustainable development.
Presently, Kenya’s urbanization can strongly drive economic growth so long as urban employer institutions have ease of doing business, can create more jobs and are able to obtain a sufficiently large pool of better educated or highly skilled people. Giventhat agriculture retains the largest share of the economy, compared to service and industry sectors, Kenya would be better placed if a segment of the youthful labour is retained in the rural areas. The urbanization pattern continues to be influenced by agricultural push rather than industrial pull and this is the point at which culture and innovation should link to urbanization.
Transformative and sustainable change can occur when innovation is integrated into development programmes and peace- building initiatives in fields ranging from health to
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education, gender empowerment to youth engagement that take the cultural context into account, including diverse local values, conditions, resources and skills.
2.2 Policy and Legislative Framework
The National Urban Development Policy 2016 acknowledges that only 30% of the urban areas in Kenya are planned and even so, not all of the existing plans are implemented. The Policy further encourages housing provision to be aligned to cultures and lifestyles of communities and is alive to the fact that urban programs should be formulated with a view to promoting cultural transformation and that, urban areas and cities are important catalysts of economic growth.
The National Policy on Culture and Heritage 2009 recognizes the need to explore innovations for cultural and economic development and to assist in the sustainable management, preservation and conservation of the environment in conformity with culture, heritage and development using indigenous knowledge, modern techniques and methods. The Policy further encourages the participation of local communities in the planning and management of sites and monuments protection and promotion architecture, which, together with well thought out urban planning, contributes to a culturally adapted physical environment. The above policy interventions provide an opportunity for mainstreaming culture and innovation into urban and human settlements planning for sustainable development in Kenya.
Measures taken to ensure sustainable cities and communities include formulation, review and legislation of various policies and laws as follows: - the National Housing Policy of 2016, the Slum Upgrading and Prevention Policy of 2016, The National Urban Development Policy of 2016, the amendment of the Urban areas and Cities Act by Parliament in 2019, approval of the Sectional Properties Bill 2018 in February 2019 by the Cabinet among others.
Some of the programmes being undertaken to promote sustainable cities and human settlements include the following:-facilitation of delivery of 500,000 affordable housing units for lower income Kenyans through various initiatives such as slum upgrading and prevention through construction of social housing units; installation of physical and social infrastructure in slums and informal settlements in selected urban areas (15 municipalities in 14 counties) under the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Project (KISIP) as well as provision of tenure security and investment in infrastructure and service delivery; training, development, dissemination and use of alternative building materials and technologies and implementation of Kenya Urban Support Programme whose objective
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is to establish and strengthen urban institutions to deliver improved infrastructure and services in participating counties.
In 2012, The Ministry of Information and Communications initiated a road map project to position the local creative industries as a catalyst for Kenyan knowledge society. The road map provided a Kenyan interpretation of the UN (2010) Creative Industry Framework. The report highlighted the proposed areas of attention which include:-raising the profile and increased recognition of the creative industries; formulation and implementation of policies that support creative industry growth and its measurement; reinstatement of arts in the education system and increase creative industry training opportunities to raise quality standards; implementation of programmes and policies to enhance general business and marketing skills of creative practitioners to promote Brand Kenya; and, gain further leverage through new technologies to facilitate growth.
2.3 Country-level initiatives 2.3.1 Technical and Vocational Training
There is Government effort in revitalization and revamping of Technical Vocational and Education and Training Centres. They have been instrumental in imparting skills which will result in innovations and sustain creative small micro enterprises and industries. To further strengthen these institutions, the government is facilitating admission and payment of tuition fees for students of all abilities.
2.3.2 The Urban Resilience Hackathon of May 2019
In May 2019, a three-day Urban Resilience Hackathon was conducted by the Kenya Red Cross Society and UN-Habitat aiming at developing unique solutions and technologies/ designs for businesses that can be scaled to create employment and income. The Hackathon involved 50 partner youth innovators, through panel discussions (with community representation) and case studies, in order to increase the capacity of youth to understand the urgent need of sustainable urban development, as well as to brainstorm innovative perspectives and contribute to sustainable solutions. This exchange resulted in an affordable and eco-friendly cooking energy solutions and human centered solutions for urban agriculture, innovations that changed traditional ways of cooking and food production among the urban communities as well as management of children's daycare centers in urban areas of Nairobi.
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2.3.3 The Kenya Urban Design Competition of 2016
UN-Habitat, the Government of Kenya and Swedish International Development competition through which a select number of design proposals were exhibited in Nairobi, Kenya, in May, 2016, and later in Quito, Ecuador during the Habitat III Conference in October 2016. The collaborative design competition focused on promoting partnership between Kenya’s students and their global peers and further demonstrated the place of urban design. The activity was premised on the fact that the majority of Kenya’s urban centers suffer from poor urban planning culture, compounded by informal developments and inadequate infrastructures. Machakos town was illustrated as an urban-rural interface, Nakuru as a Transport Oriented Development town and Thika as a trade Centre respectively. Naivasha was illustrated as an agriculturally-potential “Rise, Raise and Rose Town” while Nyeri emerged as a “Work, Education, Health and Security” driven town as indicated in the figure below.
Figure 7:Winning Entry for Kenya Urban Design Competition Source: UN- Habitat
Lesson learnt from the above competition is that urban design could be an innovative tool for promoting sustainable urban development and cultural transformation. Further, culture in urban areas can be influenced and promoted through innovative design of space. In doing so, practitioners and government authorities may however face challenges where communities become reluctant to change cultural practice.
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CHAPTER THREE DIALOGUE THREE: TRADITION AND MODERNITY; A CREATIVE CONVERGENCE FOR BETTER CITIES. 3.0 Overview
A vibrant urban life can differentiate a city from other locations, and allow it to establish its own identity within the national and international sphere, and help it attract investments. The cultural and creative industries, as well as heritage-based urban revitalization and sustainable tourism, are powerful economic sectors that can generate green employment, stimulate local development and foster creativity. Cultural infrastructure, such as museums and other cultural facilities, should be used as civic spaces for dialogue and social inclusion, helping to reduce violence and foster cohesion and promote a culture of peace as well as economic development for cities. Proper understanding of traditional cultural practices can be a powerful tool to enhance the resilience of cities facing threats linked to modernization-globalization.
3.1 Policy and Legislative Framework
Article 57 of the CoK obligates the State to take measures to ensure older persons’ participation, personal development, dignity, respect and protection from abuse; and together with the family, the obligation to provide care and reasonable assistance to older persons. The Constitution further provides explicit rights, entitlements and privileges for older persons with specific obligations to the state and family. Article 10 (2) (b) underlines the states obligation to protect older persons together with other marginalized groups; whereas Article 21 (3) obligates State organs and public officers to address the needs of older persons and other vulnerable groups. Article 27 (4) promotes and safeguards equality and non-discrimination of older persons based on age, whereas Article 43 (3) obligates the state to provide appropriate social security to needy older persons.
The Medium Term Plan III (2018-2022) focus is on transforming lives through the Big Four (4) Agenda. Social protection interventions are well addressed in the plan either directly or indirectly. The social protection policy advances have in the past been accompanied by increasing investments in social protection programmes. Kenya has also developed a Social Protection Policy, 2011 that is an important framework focusing on specific vulnerable groups to reduce poverty and the vulnerability of the population to economic, social and natural shocks. The focus is on access to basic social services to those with no predictable income as well as those in employment and the self-employed who require
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financial cushions against future risks such as loss of employment, injury at work, loss of assets, and or sickness.
3.2 Best Practices
Some of the initiatives that have been adopted to preserve traditional practices in the urban set up include: -
3.2.1 Church-run versus Traditional Rites of Passage
Provision has been made to provide for a smooth transition from traditional way of doing things into modern. For instance, with regard to traditional rites of passage, elders from the mainstream churches identify a secluded place where the boys would camp to undergo circumcision after intensive guidance and counseling. Parents of teenage boys in many areas in Kenya are torn between entrusting their sons to churches to organize circumcision rites and surrendering them to relatives in the villages where some diehard traditionalists subject them to violence, sex and drugs. Among the Christian that organize and take young people through the customary practice include Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), Roman Catholic Church (RCC), and Christ is the Answer Ministries (CITAM), Deliverance Church, among others. For girls, the church groups also give counseling and mentorship as alternative rites of passage.
Figure 8:Traditional versus Church-run rite of passage Source:https://artmatters.info/https://artmatters.info/2016/12/ accessed on 19th November 2019
3.2.2 Cultural Nights
In major urban areas, there has been an attempt to blend tradition and modernity through cultural nights by various communities. The thrill is brought by the likes of Luo Festival, Mugithi Night, Mulembe Night and Esagasaga Night just to mention but a few. Most of these theme nights are hosted at Carnivore Restaurant and one is surprised to find
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members of the same community living in Nairobi and surrounding areas filling up the venue. Revelers are treated to music from prominent musicians from their community. It is also an opportunity to partake of traditional foods and liquor.
Some of the theme nights also consist of beauty pageants. Most of them have been pushed to upcountry clubs and hotels ever since devolution kicked in or in bars located in estates such as Egesa in Umoja, Nairobi. Theme nights bring people of similar and different cultures together, bring entertainment, serve the purpose of passing on the culture to future generations, promote talents growth, generate income and bring the whole village experience to the city.
Figure 9:Posters for various cultural nights Source:https://nairobinow.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/mulembe-29-may-15.jpg
3.2.3 Lake Turkana Festival
This annual event features unique performances and demonstrations of ten different ethnic communities which live in the Lake Turkana region. With traditional dances and a chance to taste various foods from these communities as well as being able to visit their unique huts and get a taste to experience life in Loiyangalani in Northern Kenya. The presentation of the customs and living conditions of the ten tribes, their spectacular traditional costumes arts and crafts, dances and music is a fascinating experience that leaves one with a positive perception of the Lake Turkana region.
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Figure 10:Lake Turkana festival Source: Travel discover Kenya
3.2.4 Mombasa Carnival
The Mombasa Carnival is the biggest and most engaging festival organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and features numerous traditions and ethnicity in Kenya. It is a lively festival that takes place in November and revolves around two parades which converge on Moi Avenue. Mombasa, known as the major cultural hub in East Africa, depicts both the Arabian and African cultures in a unique way. The festival features multicultural floats, music, dance performances and colourful parades with people in amazing costumes. Tourists who visit Mombasa during the festival have the opportunity to shop for souvenirs and enjoy delicious Kenyan dishes in the food stalls set up on the streets of Mombasa. Influenced by its rich multicultural diversity, Mombasa retains cultural imprints of Persians, Chinese, Arabians, Portuguese, Indians and Europeans.
A mix of traditional and contemporary artists joins the celebration to make it a refreshing introduction to East African cultural diversity. On the streets, several stalls are set up offering food and all kinds of local delicacies and local brews like mnazi (made from coconut sap) and madafu (fresh coconut milk). Vigorous and energetic traditional dances, as well as contemporary forms and belly dances are performed as local bands and sound systems pump out music into the atmosphere.
Men and women are often dressed in the traditional ‘Kikoy’ and ‘Kanga’ which usually have Swahili maxims and sayings boldly printed at the hem. The events often culminate with an interesting boat regatta on the Indian Ocean as the procession march down to Fort Jesus to the beach.
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Figure 11:Mombasa Carnival Source: Afro Tourism – Travelogue
3.2.5 Maralal Camel Derby Festival
The Maralal Camel Derby is an annual event, held midyear just outside of Maralal town. This is Kenya’s best known and most prestigious camel race, attracting both local and international competitors. The event is a major draw for spectators as well as racers, and the competition is fierce. Many local professional camel racers come to compete each year. Some of the finest racing camels are seen in town during the race period. The race is a great social event, and the major event on the Maralal calendar. Both competitors and visitors to Maralal join in the festivities in and around town. The atmosphere in town on race day is electric and entertaining.
The race begins in the centre of town, where a throng of camels are at the starting line. Flagged off by local dignitaries, the race begins with initial chaos as the camels break across the line. Cheering supporters line the route, and the final stretch is always alive with excited spectators as the winners cross the line.
A cycling race is also now held concurrently with the derby, with mountain bikes racing over a demanding course. The cycle race also attracts its share of dedicated professionals on world class bikes, as well as local amateurs on bikes that in some cases never see the end of the race.
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The Maralal Camel derby is more than just a race. It is an entertaining festival of fun and local competition that brings this small desert town to life.
Figure 12:Maralal camel derby Source: Magical Kenya
3.2.6 Safari Rally
The Safari Rally is one of the most popular events in the Kenyan calendar with both the young and old alike. Since its onset in 1953 in honour of Queen Elizabeth, the Safari Rally is an internationally acclaimed event and a significant part of Kenya’s history. It is a sport loved by the Kenyan people and draws the attention of people of different ages and cultures both locally and internationally. It is a fast paced race through the wilderness of Kenya where drivers have to negotiate through rough terrains and assortments of wildlife. The Safari Rally is one sport that attracts many visitors alike and has become a part of Kenyan culture.
Figure 13:Flagging off Safari Rally Source: Safari Rally Kenya
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3.2.7 Ngong Race Course
The first horse racing event in Kenya took place in Kenya in Machakos with somali ponies. Other horse races also take place in Eldoret, Nakuru, Nanyuki and Limuru. Ngong Race Course, a horse racing venue located along Ngong Road in Nairobi is operated by the jockey club of Kenya and was opened in 1954. It provides a platform for social entertainment, competition and talent.
3.2.8 Wearing Kenyan Made Clothes Directive
Under the Buy Kenya Build Kenya Initiative, a Presidential Directive was made to civil servants to wear locally made clothes every Friday through a Circular dated Thursday, October 17, 2019. The aim of this initiative is to promote local textile industries in line with The Big Four Agenda on manufacturing, which in turn results in employment creation.
3.2.9 Care for the Elderly in Kenya
In traditional setup, there were systems of taking care of the elderly by the family however, in modern urban setup families are in urban areas and the elderly are in villages. In the current provision by the CoK that obligates the State to provide appropriate social securities to older persons, on 5th July 2017, the Ministry of East African Community, Labour and Social Protection launched a new social assistance unconditional cash transfer programme known as the "Inua Jamii". The programme targets Kenyan citizens that are 70 years and above and gives regular unconditional cash transfers of Kshs. 4,000 per individual bi- monthly; and is regarded as a non-contributory social pension for the beneficiaries. The cash transfers were started in January 2018 through active bank accounts.
Figure 14:Elderly people wait to receive their monthly stipend in Molo, Nakuru County. Source: National Media Group
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3.2.10 Rollout of Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) and Competence Based Education and Training (CBET)
In order to produce competent skills for the labour market, the Government rolled out CBC and CBET curriculum in education and training in 2019. This is aimed at aligning demand and supply of skills through CBET implementation. In addition, there has been an initiative by Safaricom Limited to provide 3G Internet to 322 schools, impacting the lives of over 200,000 students. More than 100 schools have been provided with tablet devices to capture data on students and the facilities. From the information acquired, leaders will have a better understanding of current progress and challenges as well as be able to offer recommendations for improvement.
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CHAPTER FOUR DIALOGUE FOUR: FRONTIER TECHNOLOGIES AND SUSTAINABLE CITIES
4.0 Overview
Frontier technologies are defined as potentially disruptive technologies that can address large scale opportunities and challenges. They can help improve the quality of life, automate manual and repetitive tasks hence improve efficiency, facilitate food security, eradicate some diseases, and address issues of climate change among others. On the flip side, frontier technologies can lead to loss of jobs and creation of new cultural dilemmas. Frontier technologies are a key driver of the 4th Industrial revolution which is basically a link between the biological, physical and digital elements to enable and manage lives. This includes Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, The Internet of Things, 3D printing, Renewable Energy, Block chain technology, Bio-technology and health technology etc.
Sustainable cities should have consideration for social, economic and environmental impact to ensure resilient habitat for existing populations, without compromising the ability of future generations. Adoption of frontier technologies is important to achieving the SDGs by 2030 (Ramalingam, et al. 2016). Kenya has grown tremendously over the years through the use of new technologies which have positively changed its development by addressing economic and social challenges. Apart from the positive impacts witnessed, there are also setbacks, uncertainties and risks caused by these frontier technologies due to the disruptions they cause through displacement of the existing technologies and policies (United Nations, 2018).
4.1 Policy and Legislative Framework
The Science, Technology and Innovation Act, No. 28 of 2013 established the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KENIA) which is mandated to develop and manage the National innovation system and leverage entrepreneurship towards a self-sustaining economy. The Agency is therefore responsible for coordination, promotion and regulation. Under KENIA funds are also administered to Innovators to fund their startups.
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4.2 Best practices of Frontier Technologies in Kenya
4.2.1 Twiga Foods Limited
Twiga Foods Company established Soko Yetu App in 2015 has been bridging gaps in food and market security through an organized platform for an efficient, fair, transparent and formal marketplace by using a mobile-based, cashless, business – to – business platform for small and medium- sized food vendor retail outlets, kiosks, and market stalls. This has helped Kenya to achieve its sustainable development goals regarding food security and promotion of sustainable agriculture. They source quality fresh and processed food from thousands of farmers and food manufacturers from all over the country and deliver from their pack houses to thousands of vendors at fair prices.
They have Soko Yetu System where farmers and vendors register and are connected to the marketplace. Twiga Foods serves around 3,000 outlets a day with produce through a network of 17,000 farmers and 8,000 vendors. They have over 400 professionals in sourcing, sales, logistics, finance, technology, administration and human resources. It has an online traffic of approximately 508 monthly web visitors making it to be ranked 15,678,266 among websites globally. Twiga Foods has Ksh. 720,370,000 (7m USD) in estimated revenue annually. (Crunchbase: Twiga Foods 2019).
Figure 15: Produce checking for any blemishes, graded and packed, graded and packed into crates ready to be transported to the cold storage rooms for ripening and the retailer who has registered with the app gets his produce delivered to his workplace Source:https://founder360mag.com/exclusive-tour-of-twiga-foods-revolutionizing- informal-grocery-markets-in-kenya/
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4.2.2 Tulaa
Tulaa is an end-to-end digital platform which provides mobile money solution established in 2017 to enable small scale farmers to lay-away and borrow finances to purchase inputs and also get market for their produce through its virtual marketplace which brings together suppliers, financial institutions and farmers. Its aim is to lower the cost and risk for the partners to do business with farmers. It has over 15,000 customers who use the platform and the online traffic. It has generated 1581 monthly web visitors and has Kshs. 102,910,000 (1m USD) in estimated revenue annually (Crunchbase: Tulaa 2019).
4.2.3 Lake Turkana Wind Power
Advancement in technology and innovation has led to implementation of the Lake Turkana Wind Power. This project is in Loiyangalani District, Marsabit County. It comprises 365 wind turbines, each with a capacity of 850KW and a high voltage substation that has been connected to Kenya’s National grid through an associated transmission line constructed by the Government of Kenya. The wind farm provides 310MW of reliable low-cost energy to the national grid (Lake Turkana Wind Power: Overview 2019). His Exellency Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta officially inaugurated the 310MW Lake Turkana Wind Power project on 19th July, 2019.
Figure 16:Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, Marsabit County. Source:https://ltwp.co.ke/photos/ Cities of Opportunities: Connecting Culture and Innovation Page 22 Country Report for WUF 10
4.2.4 50MW Garissa Solar Power Station
The Garissa Solar Plant which covers 85 hectares is the largest grid connected solar power plant in East and Central Africa. This is the first time that Kenya has developed a major solar power plant to harness its abundant solar energy resource to diversify the power generation mix and reduce energy costs. Currently, this project is contributing about 2% of the national energy mix and has significantly led to a reduction of energy costs in the country thereby promoting the development of clean, reliable, sustainable and affordable electricity (REA Projects : The 50 MW Garissa Solar Power Plant 2018).
Figure 17:Garissa Solar Power Plant, Garissa County. Source:https://twitter.com/kenyapics/status/1137255071555760128/photo/1 in June, 2019
4.2.5 NAWASSCOAL Makaadot.com - Converting Waste to Wealth
NAWASSCOAL was started as a pilot project under the Nakuru County Sanitation Programme (NCSP) which ended on 31st August 2018 and transitioned as a fully-fledged company at the end of the Project. NAWASSCOAL has aligned itself with SDG No.7 on Affordable and Clean Energy. The company makes briquettes from a combination of human waste and biomass waste and has an impact on provision of clean and green energy which is an alternative to charcoal, with a target of 250 tonnes per month. Briquettes are fast replacing charcoal as a more effective, clean energy source (Chebet 2018). This product is also more cost effective as compared to the conventional charcoal. NAWASSCOAL was recognised during the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2019 held in The Hague, Netherlands as an innovative upcoming green energy champion.
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Figure 18:Human waste sludge undergoing the stirring process before the drying process starts.Source:https://theslopes.co.ke/human-waste-fuel-gains-unprecedented-popularity- in-nakuru/
Figure 19: Sun drying the briquettes Source:https://theslopes.co.ke/human-waste-fuel-gains-unprecedented-popularity-in-nakuru/
4.2.6 Fintech on Financial Services Industry in Kenya
Technological innovations have greatly affected the Kenyan financial services industry in recent years. Mobile money is by far the most significant. According to Communications Authority of Kenya 2018, Kenya’s mobile penetration rate (total number of active sim cards to total population) stood at 100.1% with the number of active mobile money subscribers being 64.5% of the population. By transaction value, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) reported a total of Kshs. 4.0 Trillion exchanged through mobile money in the year 2018, equivalent to 45.3% of the country’s GDP (Impact of Fintech on Kenya’s financial services industry 2019).
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Online banking has also gained traction and the majority of banks are now aligning their business models towards online channels. The most recent innovation to shake up the industry is digital lending, which has been, to some part, a response to the slow growth in private sector credit following the capping of interest rates on loans offered by banks. Safaricom launched Fuliza in January 2019, an overdraft facility that enables M-Pesa customers to send or complete mobile payment transactions even if their M-Pesa balance is below the required amount. In the first week of its launch, more than one million customers signed up and borrowed Kshs1 billion, and after one month of operation had borrowed Kshs.6.2 billion (Shawiza 2019). It has enabled the low income earners to access loans.
4.2.7 Block chain Technology
TMX Global, a Kenyan cargo and freight company, is using the Block chain technology to enhance cargo logistics business by reducing costs and increasing shipping efficiency through integrating information about shipments onto a secure platform making it more open, transparent, democratic and decentralized thereby reducing the number of complaints in the import and export industry (David 2018). They have also launched the first African coin, TMX Global Coin, which offers transnational freight and logistics on the block chain.
Twiga Foods has also incorporated the use of block chain based micro- financing by partnering with IBM Research. The block chain based finance lending platform has enabled over 220 small food kiosks retailers to get loans for their food produce. The loans attracted a 1% and 2% interest monthly and were disbursed via mobile platforms with SMS correspondence with a repayment period of four or eight days respectively (Abuya 2018).
4.2.8 Technological Parks
Technological parks such as Gearbox, iHub, Kenyatta University Chandaria Business Innovation and Incubation Centre THINKLab, LakeHub, SwahiliPot Hub etc. provide a platform where innovations and prototypes can be incubated. This helps to scale the level of frontier technologies in Kenya.
IBM Research Africa opened up a branch in Kenya, Nairobi THINKLab. It is the first most technologically advanced facility in Africa; it consists of a galaxy display comprising a wall of interactive flat-panel screens, motion sensors, a mobile experience lounge and Africa’s first permanently installed hologram. For one of their projects, its mobility team used film content and interactive displays to showcase the ‘Living Roads’ project with Nairobi City
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County. It involved smart devices mounted on 10 of the county’s waste collection vehicles, and with their technology, IBM’s researchers were able to gather real time data not only about the fleet but also the condition of Nairobi’s streets and the location of traffic delays due to the existence of potholes, speed bumps, flooding and other obstructions on the roads (IBM Research - Africa 2016)
4.2.9 M-Akiba
The M-Akiba bond is a retail bond that has been issued by the Government of Kenya to raise money to fund infrastructure projects. The channel for buying the bond is through the registered mobile with Mpesa or Airtel Money or Pesalink. The Government promises to pay the lender a fixed interest of 10 percent per year. Through M-Akiba, the Government enhances financial inclusion for economic development to all her citizens. M-Akiba is a unique opportunity for Kenyans to save money, while at the same time earning very attractive interest rates from the Government. It started in 2017 by Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) through The National Treasury (TNT) and the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE). As at September, 2019, M-Akiba raised over Kshs. 250 million.
4.2.10 Huduma Kenya
Huduma Kenya Programme is a Government of Kenya initiative whose aim is to turn around public service delivery by providing efficient and accessible government services at the convenience of citizens through various integrated service delivery platforms. The Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs is implementing the programme through the Huduma Kenya Secretariat. These include issuance of birth certificates, licenses and work permits, and application for driving licenses among other government services.
4.2.11 Constituency Innovation Hubs
The Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (MoICT) as part of the Ajira Digital Program initiated the Constituency Innovation Hubs (CIH) project in 2016 as a channel to provide citizens with an enabling environment to take advantage of digital work opportunities. The objective of CIH is to support entrepreneurship countrywide by offering free working spaces equipped with devices and Wi-Fi in all the 290 constituencies countrywide. The project has enhanced the capacity of Kenyans particularly the youths to undertake online jobs and hence self-employment. The pioneer project was at Limuru ICT Hub in Kiambu County. It aims to improve internet connectivity and access to the public which will enhance digital inclusion and literacy in Kenya for socio-economic growth,
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whilst propelling Kenya as a regional leader in ICTs. For instance, there is free Wi-Fi in Afraha Stadium in Nakuru County.
Figure 20: Residents of Soy Constituency, Uasin Gishu County at Nukiat Constituency Innovation Hub working online. Source: Site visit
Figure 21:Students from Icon Primary School at Kamukunji Constituency Innovation Hub, Nairobi County having computer literacy classes and Residents of Uasin Gishu getting trained on necessary online work skills by Ajira Digital at Kapteldet ICT Center respective Source:https://twitter.com/KamukunjiHub/status/1179725662401302529/ photo/1andhttps://twitter.com/AjiraDigital/status/1097840103798521857/photo/1.
4.2.12 Damu–Sasa
This is an innovative end-to-end blood service information management system meant for the blood services value-chain. It Started in 2018 and is built to aid in blood donor relationship management, blood requisition, inventory and utilization management, blood unit tracking, emergency control and reporting, including Hemovigilance and stakeholder collaboration.
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Through a partnership with technology solutions firm Advanced IT Solution (AISL), Amref Health Africa in Kenya is supporting the scale up of Damu-Sasa in hospitals across the country towards the realization of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) (Amref Health Africa 2018).
Damu-Sasa was successfully piloted at the Kenyatta National Hospital over a period of 9 months, where it is still running. It rose out of the Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP) run by the Information, Communication and Technology Authority (ICTA), Under the Ministry of ICT (MoICT). This technology has been successfully implemented in Nairobi County at Kenyatta National Hospital having over 13,000 registered donors touching about 6000 lives (Damu-Sasa 2019).
4.2.13 MyDawa App
MyDawa App is a digital application which acts as an online pharmacy that has partnered with healthcare practitioners and suppliers to enable one purchase genuine and affordable medicine, health, wellness or even beauty products. This solved the issue whereby one previously had to move from one chemist to another to search for their prescription medicine. It has lessened that burden since when one makes the order through their phone, he can pick it at their nearest convenient point. MyDawa App has been licensed by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Kenya. The user can also scan the provided QR code to ensure the authenticity of the drugs being delivered. It has signed up approximately over 80,000 registered users.
4.2.14 M-Tiba
This is a mobile based health insurance which was developed by Safaricom, CarePay and PharmAccess Group that enables an individual to take care of their health expenses through the platform where one can send, receive or even save money with regards to healthcare.
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CHAPTER FIVE DIALOGUE FIVE: URBAN PLANNING AND HERITAGE PRESERVATION/ REGENERATION 5.0 Overview
The Kenya urban centres are faced with population explosion due to rapid urban growth and rapid rural-urban migration. This has necessitated the change in land use and urban planning. Most of our urban areas have adopted urban regeneration that entails densification to accommodate the increase of population. This rapid increase in urban population has interfered with the heritage fabric in these cities because every new development and redevelopment threatens to tear down the old fabric and socio-economic character of the towns and cities. These Cities and towns are spatially fragmented and with separate regulatory regimes making development and conservation difficult. In addition, the built environment heritage resources are treated as isolated objects, instead of an intrinsic part of the contemporary urban fabric hence risk of destruction.
Today, Kenya is a dynamic nation that links its prehistoric past to new cultural expressions in a land of breathtaking beauty. Its diverse landscapes stretch from snow-capped mountains to the Great Rift Valley, desert to lakes, vast savannahs, lush forests, and a sparkling coast reflecting the rich diversity of the Kenyan people and their traditions. Regardless of the urbanization trends and regeneration: that is taking place, the country has secured and preserved seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites that include: - Fort Jesus, Lamu old town, Mijikenda Kaya forest, Lake system in Great Rift Valley, Lake Turkana National Park, Mount Kenya National Park and Thimlich Ohinga Cultural landscape.
5.1 Policy and Legislative Framework
5.1.1National Spatial Plan (2015-2045)
The National Spatial Plan launched on 1st March 2017 details out the national vision that will guide the long term spatial development of the country for a period of 30 years. It aims at achieving an organized, integrated, sustainable and balanced development of the country by providing a framework for better national organization and linkages between different activities within the national space. Further, the Plan supports the implementation of strategic national projects specifically the flagship projects spelt out under Kenya Vision 2030 by indicating their spatial locations and providing a framework for absorbing the spatial impacts of these projects. The National Spatial Plan provides a coordinating
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framework for sectoral planning that addresses the disconnect that has existed for a long time between physical and economic planning. This is expected to result in more prudent use of the country’s scarce resources by providing a platform for prioritization of programmes and projects within the implementation mechanism.
The National Spatial Plan has created a spatial planning context that enhances economic efficiency and strengthening of Kenya’s global competitiveness, promoting balanced regional development for national integration and cohesion and optimizing utilization of land and natural resources for sustainable development. The plan proposes preparation of physical development Plans for three cultural heritage sites namely, Fort Jesus in Mombasa, Lamu Old Town and the sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests; and the three Natural heritage sites of Great Rift Valley lakes.
5.1.2 Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2017 on National Land Use Policy
The overall goal of the National Land Use Policy is to provide legal, administrative, institutional and technological framework for optimal utilization and productivity of land related resources in a sustainable and desirable manner at national, county and community levels. The Policy is premised on the philosophy of economic productivity, social responsibility, environmental sustainability and cultural conservation. The Policy is cognizant of numerous factors that affect land use in Kenya which include geographic and ecological features, population distribution, social, historical, cultural and economic factors. Other key factors are administrative, institutional and policy instruments, investment, urbanization and land tenure.
The formulation of the land use policy has contributed towards: - having an organized approach to managing the different land use practices and policy responses, conservation and enhancement of the quality of land and land-based resources, application of efficient technology for the intensification of land use and development of land use plans at both national and county levels with full participation of all stakeholders.
5.1.3 Sessional Paper No. 6 on National Urban Development Policy 2016
The policy aims to strengthen development planning, urban governance and management, urban investments and delivery of social and physical infrastructure in urban areas throughout the country. The policy aims to: legislate on the criteria for identification and classification of urban heritage sites, establish mechanisms for the awareness of the importance of conservation of urban heritage, establish collaborative mechanisms
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among players in the conservation of urban heritage, develop an integrated urban heritage conservation strategy and domesticate international heritage treaties and conventions on urban heritage.
5.1.4 County Governments Act, 2012
This Act provides for Principles of planning and development facilitation. It obligates Counties to plan, directs for integrating national and county planning, provides for types and purposes of county plans, County integrated development plan, County sectoral plans, County spatial plans, City or municipal plans, planning for nationally significant projects in a county and public participation in county planning.
5.1.5. Urban Areas and Cities Act, 2019
The Act providers for the governance and management of Urban areas, delineation and Classification of urban areas and cities, types of planning and plans for urban development and management and provides for Local development policies and for implementing the integration through Spatial Development policy and regulations
5.1.6 Registration and processing of Title Deeds
The land registration and processing of title deeds in Kenya has led to certainty of ownership, security of tenure, reduction in land disputes, security of credit, support for land taxation and improvement in physical planning among other impacts. Currently, 43 heritage and cultural sites have been issued with title deeds, and the Natural Museums of Kenya continues to work closely with the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to secure titles for more sites.
5.2 Best Practices
Some of the initiatives that have been undertaken in regard to regeneration and preservation of heritage sites in Kenya include the following: -
5.2.1 Luthuli Avenue Regeneration: Towards zero carbon, safe, inclusive and sustainable streets and public spaces in Kenya
The regeneration of Luthuli Avenue in Nairobi City has transformed a street that was once synonymous with congestion, pollution, a contested space between pedestrians, vendors, matatus, trolley pushers and motorbike riders into a safe, inclusive and vibrant retail
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frontier. As a result of the transformation, businesses are now thriving, new businesses are opening, restaurants and commercial banks are scouting for space along the street. This is mainly attributed to high pedestrians’ volumes and improved safety, which has changed the image and identity of the street.
Figure 22: Luthuli Avenue before and after regeneration
5.2.3 Mama Ngina Drive Waterfront Park Regeneration
The Mama Ngina Waterfront Park is a 26-acre waterfront space that has been redeveloped into a modern public recreational area with several added amenities. It is the first public landscaped waterfront that was inaugurated during Kenya’s Mashujaa Day national celebrations held in 2019. The space was initially a watching bay area that rose from a small cliff facing the Likoni channel and was a place for leisure resting, walking, jogging and riding. The waterfront now features a palm tree-lined walkway from the Likoni Ferry Crossing in the south to the Mombasa Golf Club in the north. These two points act as both entry and exit points into the park and are marked by huge monumental gates.
Figure 23:Mama Ngina Drive Waterfront Park before regeneration.
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Figure 24:Mama Ngina Drive Waterfront Park after regeneration
The redevelopment of the area has led to an increase of safety as there were no barriers and the cliffs were exposed. It is now a safe, family-friendly place and children can be seen walking easily, enjoying the treats on offer as the grown-ups relax under the shady trees. The redevelopment has also beautified the place and more visitors are seen whiling away time.
5.2.4 Fort Jesus, Mombasa
Fort Jesus, Mombasa is one of three cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kenya. It is a 16th century fort designed to guard the Old Port of Mombasa. It is the only one that is maintained by the Portuguese in the Swahili Coast. The architecture of the fort itself was important to the cultural heritage of the site. The heritage site has specifically contributed to financial spillovers as a center of tourist attraction to both the local communities and foreigners. The economic activities around Fort Jesus have helped to create employment for the local community, hence contributing to their socioeconomic development and those of their families. As part of its preservation, the Government of Kenya in 2017 undertook a facelift in renovating its walls. A wall is also being constructed to protect it from weathering.
Figure 25: Fort Jesus Mombasa Source: Istockphotos.com
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5.2.5 Lamu Old Town The Lamu Old Town is considered as the best preserved and oldest Swahili settlement in the coastal strip of East Africa. This town has been continually inhabited for 7 centuries. Lamu which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001 has been gazetted as a national monument.
Figure 26: Lamu old Town Source: Wanderlust
5.2.6 Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley
The Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley is the first natural site in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kenya. It is a natural landscape consisting of three lake basins namely Lake Elementaita, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Bogoria that are located at a valley floor. This site is noted for its rich population of migratory birds, great white pelicans, and lesser flamingo. These lakes are hydro-geologically connected to each other via subsurface seepage of water. The alkaline from these lakes supports the algae formation that serves as food for the flamingos. The lake system is also valuable for the study of ecological processes of major importance.
5.2.7 Kit Mikayi-Kisumu
Kit-Mikayi is a rock formation, a tor; around 40 metres high situated about 29 km west of the town of Kisumu in western Kenya. Kit-mikayi means "the stone of the first woman", or "stone of the first wife". The natural geographical site attracts thousands of religious members who look to the formation for contact with their ancestors, for prayers, for healing, and for celebrating traditional Luo culture.
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Figure 27: Kit-Mikayi in Kisumu County
5.2.8 The Old Town of Mombasa The old town of Mombasa is gazetted as a heritage site in Kenya and is confined in an area of approximately 72 hectares. It is inhabited by a richly diverse group of communities: locals, Arabs, Asians, Portuguese and the British which have co-existed for hundreds of years. The various social, political, religious and economic activities of these groups have created a distinct character and culture which together has come to define this old town. The visible aspect of this unique character is a collection of historical buildings dating from the 18th century which combines, African, Arabic and European influences. Many of these buildings still exist, in beautifully carved doors as well as elegantly styled balconies attached to their turn of the century facades which attract tourists hence earning the country and the local’s income.
Figure 28:The Old Town of Mombasa Source: Great Big Canvas
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CHAPTER SIX DIALOGUE SIX: PARTNERSHIPS AND INITIATIVES SUPPORTING CULTURE AND INNOVATION IN CITIES 6.0 Overview The crucial role of cities in promoting sustainable development focus on people and the respect of human rights is recognized in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which includes Goal No. 11 whose specific objective is to ‘make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable’ and identifies culture and creativity as one of the essential levers for action in this context.
By stimulating cultural industries, supporting creation, promoting citizen and cultural participation and approaching the public sphere with a new perspective, the public sector, in partnership with the private sector and civil society, support a more sustainable urban development suited to the practical needs of the population. Cooperation and the sharing of experience and knowledge is crucial for making creativity a lever for urban development and conceiving of new solutions to tackle common challenges.
6.1 Policy and Legislative Framework
6.1.1 Sustainable Development Goal No. 17 on Partnership for the Goals
This Goal encourages and promotes effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
6.1.2 East African Community law on promotion of culture and creative industries
The main objective of the Law is promotion of culture and arts across the East African Community (EAC) through a legislative framework that is legally binding to member states. The proposed law that is now at the EAC Assembly seeks to establish legal and institutional framework for promotion of culture within the region. It seeks to establish a regional culture and arts council that will draw members from within the creative and cultural entrepreneurs from the East African Community region. Member States are expected to domesticate the law into their national laws and Kenya has already compiled through the draft culture legislation that is in its final stage before enactment.
6.1.3 The Kenya Foreign Policy, 2014
The Kenya Foreign Policy of 2014 under the culture pillar emphasizes cultural recognition and understanding as the basis for dialogue. It is through cultural activities that a nation’s
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idea of itself is best represented. Kenya’s cultural diplomacy aims to increase awareness of her cultural richness and to generate interests in the country’s cultural heritage. The objectives of the cultural pillar are to: respect and recognize cultural diversity and heritage; promote cultural exchanges and partnerships; promote global intercultural dialogue; promote sports and art diplomacy by recognizing the role of Kenyan artist, athletes and other sportsmen and women; and promote the recognition of Kiswahili as a continental and global language.
The implementation of this pillar provides a guiding framework for diplomatic engagements. It further guides the country as it pursues its vision of becoming peaceful, prosperous and globally competitive while promoting sustainable development
6.1.4 Public Private Partnership Act, 2013
Public Private Partnership Act provides for the participation of the private sector in the financing, construction, development, operation, or maintenance of infrastructure or development projects of the Government through concession or other contractual arrangements; the establishment of the institutions to regulate, monitor and supervise the implementation of project agreements on infrastructure or development projects and for connected purposes
6.1.5 The National Policy on Culture and Heritage 2009
The National Policy on Culture and Heritage 2009 encourages Partnership, on a regional, continental and international basis seeks to promote Kenyan cultural industries.
6.2 Best Practices
Current reforms being witnessed in the UN management systems include reforming the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF, 2018-2022) to United Nations Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDF). The current framework was launched in June 2018 under coordination of the National Treasury and provides a platform for tracking and reporting on all joint programmes being undertaken by the UN fraternity in Kenya and the rest of the world. This has an impact on visibility of various innovations and cultural practices that are integrated into the country systems. An example of the partnership between the United Nations system and Kenya is the pedestrianization, improvement and transformation of Luthuli Avenue in Nairobi which is a partnership of Nairobi City County and UN-Habitat.
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To promote partnerships and mutual cooperation, Kenya is participating in cross-border meetings and other tripartite arrangements such as EAC, IGAD/CEWARN and bilateral, cross-border peace dialogues with neighbouring countries. These meetings are held regularly to address conflict issues. The Government with the support of development partners is implementing peace dividend projects to support peace initiatives geared towards weaning communities from violence and enabling them use their energies in building peace.
The private sector initiated a peace campaign project meant to foster peaceful coexistence and peace for economic growth and prosperity in the country. This initiative is spearheaded by Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) bringing together the Private Sector, Civil Society, Religious Leaders, Political Leaders, Student Leaders and Governments.
Kenya has also hosted a number of international conventions aimed at strengthening global partnerships such as the HLM2, Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development (TICAD) IV conference, the United Nations Conference on Trade And Development 14 conference, United Nations Habitat Assembly, the regional consultations on the SDGs and Africa’s Agenda 2063 amongst others.
Figure 29: 1st United Nations Habitat Assembly, May 2019 Source: UN-Habitat
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6.2.1 Member of the International Federation for Art Councils and Culture Agencies Dialogues on culture policies Kenya has been an active member of the International Federation for Art Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA). The main objective of Kenya's membership to IFACCA was informed by the need to participate in the International Arts and Culture policy dialogues as well as to benefit from existing global cultural resources and to establish and strengthen networks with art and culture organizations. Kenyan government officials through the IFACCA digital platforms have benefited from global dialogue between public officials and national councils for culture and arts on policy dialogues.
6.2.2 Participation in cultural exchange dialogue meetings with friendly nations
Kenyan public officials have over years been invited by friendly nations to learn and bench mark on cultural policies and on creative programmes and institutions. Among the countries that have engaged Kenyan officials in such dialogues and exchanges are; Scotland, German, France, United Kingdom, Venezuela and China amongst others. 6.2.3 Facilitating Mobility of Artists through Cultural protocols
Kenya has negotiated and signed several Cultural bilateral cultural agreements aimed at fostering cultural cooperation and promoting cultural and creative industries. The protocols have enhanced the mobility of artists and their equipment between nations. The protocols have further resulted in favourable tax measures on entry of film and music production equipment. The ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage also works with various foreign Cultural Institutes such as; French Cultural Centre, British Council, Italian Cultural Centre, Goethe Institute, Chinese Culture Institute and Swedish Embassies to foster international exchanges.
6.2.4 Promotion of Culture and Creative Industries/Creative Economy
The main objective of the measure is to assess and bring all relevant government agencies to work together to promote and protect the diversity of cultural expressions in a digital environment. Further the measure aims to link culture and creative industries through policies, institutions and regulations that promote cultural expressions as well as protect copyrights.
The CoK provides a framework on how national and county governments relate. For instance, the national government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the County Government for the provision of affordable housing across the country. Kenya
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has partnered with the World Bank under Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP). The programme was operationalized in January 2018 and has so far in 59 Municipalities. Kenya has also partnered with the United Kingdom under the Sustainable Urban Economic Development (SUED) that is being implemented in 10 municipalities. It is set to transform the planning and management of the selected Municipalities with full integration of local cultural practices and innovative urban planning.
The Civil Society Urban Development Platform (CSUDP), Pamoja Trust (PT), and the Center for Urban Research and Innovation (CURI) of the University of Nairobi (UoN) have partnered and pioneered an Adaptive Settlement Planning Model (ASPM), which is a community-centered planning approach. The ASPM has been initiated in 13 counties to meet planning requirements through effective collaboration between CSOs and County Governments. The model integrates three planning tools, namely; the social tenure domain model (designed by UN-Habitat); The Symbiocity planning approach (Symbiocity Kenya Program) at Council of Governors (CoG); and the planning studio design (Center for Urban Research and Innovation) at UON.
These tools are interlinked to provide a seamless process in which communities remain at the center of determining their existing settlement status and projecting their development aspirations in a manner that meets the social planning standards. The settlement plans that are generated through this process provide communities with negotiation tools in the Urban Integrated Development Planning regimes as envisioned through the Urban Areas and Cities Act, 2012 and in the second schedule of the Physical Planning Act with regard to matters which may be dealt in local physical development plan.
Through the collaboration of the county planners, 13 Settlement plans have been developed by the communities resident in the informal settlements of Kitui (Bondeni), Garissa (Medina), Nyeri (Witemere), Embu (Kimangaru), Meru (Shauri yako), Machakos (Kwa Mangeli), Trans Nzoia (Kipsongor), Kakamega (Masingo), Homabay (Shauri yako], Mombasa (Chelang’a), Nakuru (Kenya Meat Commission), UasinGishu (Hill School), and Kisumu (Kuoyo B).
Other partnerships that promote culture and innovations include the establishment of the Maasai Market concept, which has revitalised the creative industry. The partnership has between County Governments and women organizations, traders and community based organizations among others.
The Maralal Camel derby festival which attracts both local and international competitors
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is a partnership between Ministry of Tourism, the County Government of Samburu, Northern Rangelands Trust, Kenya Commercial Bank, Save the Elephants Project, Supa SACCO Maralal, Grevys’ Zebras Trust and Safaricom.
The Government has partnered with other agencies towards the establishment of technological innovation centers such as iHub which is a flagship under the Vision 2030 Social Pillar. The iHub and similar techno-labs set up across the country have promoted the development of technology driven solutions to problems such as: Safe Boda (the motorcycle hailing app); viusasa (content sharing platform); etc.
In most of the urban areas, public spaces suffer from degradation, overcrowding and insecurity thereby denying city residents access to the much needed recreation and leisure open spaces. To address this, the place making concept “is being implemented to revitalize and restore public open spaces where residents can conduct a number of activities which include: music, roller skating, drama among other social activities. For instance, this has taken place in Nairobi Central Business District along Aga Khan Walk at the sunken car park, streets of Korogocho and the courtyards of Dandora among others. All this has happened with the partnership of county governments and youth groups and community based organizations. This has fostered behaviour change and stimulated creativity among the youth. Further, The National Museum of Kenya in partnership with Amazon Web Services, Intel, and Digital Divide Data has created a Virtual Museum for Kenya cultural items.
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CHAPTER SEVEN CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN CONNECTING CULTURE AND INNOVATION 7.0 Challenges
1. Limited resources and skills and lack of a regulatory framework to implement innovations such as automated vehicles, drones and other frontier technologies as most times the technology is usually in place before the policies. 2. Frontier Technologies have contributed to the invasion of privacy that has led to private information being accessed through smart phones and other gadgets that have internet connection leading to increase of cybercrime. 3. Loss of jobs due to automation and use of robots. 4. Phasing out of physical office space has a negative impact on real estate agencies as more and more people choose to work from homes. 5. The growth in the technology sector has resulted in a lot of e-waste from obsolete equipment such as mobile phones, computers, chargers, batteries and many others. Some technologies are difficult to dispose once their life cycle is done such as solar panels as they are not biodegradable. This results in an increase in pollution and it is a health hazard. 6. Conflict between traditional and modern ways of doing things for instance, the sanctity of traditional ways of bringing life is being challenged as emerging technologies give rise to moral and ethical questions, such as InVitro Fertilization in biotechnology. 7. Modernity and urbanization has created gaps which were otherwise taken care of by traditional values and systems resulting in moral decadence and irresponsible behaviour. 8. Increased insecurity and terrorism globally has become a threat to tourism and promotion of cultural activities. 9. Lack of sustainable engagement of communities to pilot demonstration projects and upscale such innovative solutions that transform cultural practices. 10. Rapid urbanization has contributed to increased cases of drug and substance abuse and mental illnesses.
7.1 Opportunities
1. Most of our towns in the counties lack public art spaces and infrastructure such as museums, galleries, theatres social halls, public parks, public art installations and
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theme parks. The Government should encourage partnership between the private sector and the urban planners through programs to support the establishment of cultural infrastructure and creative industry. 2. There is a need to sustainably archive and protect existing cultural infrastructure and literature for reference and use by future generations. 3. Formalization and up scaling of cultural Small Micro Enterprises to create markets and patent artworks like ornaments, carvings, clothing etc. 4. Mapping of innovations that communities can co-create solutions for sustainable urbanization. 5. Development of frameworks and policies to regulate frontier technologies. 6. Setting up virtual libraries in informal settlements among other places. 7. Offer more incentives for the best innovations from the Constituency Innovation Hubs like what is being done by the National Research Fund. 8. Adopt appropriate strategies and policies that will secure the various ICT networks to safeguard against cybercrime and media abuse. 9. Sensitize the younger generation on existing platforms for transmitting cultural practices and knowledge. 10. Enforcing policies that ensure urban roads in cities and towns include spaces for cycling as an acceptable transport mode and that they are utilised for their intended purposes. 11. Exploitation of Lake Turkana Wind and Garissa Solar Power plants to their full potential and replicate the use of green energy throughout the country. 12. Establishment of homes for the elderly countrywide. 13. Scaling up and building the capacity of innovators and strengthening KENIA with human and financial resources. 14. Tapping into the opportunities presented by the existing heritage sites as tourist attraction sites that can generate local income and foreign exchange. 15. Working online has promoted the demand for part time leased offices as people work from home. 16. Putting up more infrastructural facilities such as rehabilitation centers to enhance access and treatment of substance use disorders and other mental illnesses.
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