Metropolitan structure management Mass Transit TOD
Author: Pedro B. Ortiz

Abstract:

Nairobi is a natural capital for eastern Africa due to its continental centrality and climatic conditions. It was established in the railroad paths that link the enclaves of the continent to the seaports. Its regional setting is in the hinge of ecosystems, including the hilly watery downs to the north that reach the Rif Valley and the Savanna like Valley of the Athy river. It was in this confluence of ecosystems (see Amman) that the railroad station/trade post developed into a colonial capital. Nairobi is not circular. It is linear along the frontier between the two ecosystems. This has not yet been understood, and some recurrent tendency to produce orbital-radial infrastructures is producing the chaotic congestion that Nairobi suffers from today. It is going to grow from 3 to 5 million inhabitants in the next few years and will suffer a tenfold increase from 300,000 to 3 million cars as a result of economic development. In order to avoid becoming a ghetto-metropolis, Nairobi must base its metropolitan structure along the railroad line, created and adapted to the topographic conditions on the border of both ecosystems. From Nairobi to Thyka and Ongata, the metropolis has to produce a set of centralities that will take the burden off of central Nairobi. The policy approach should include linearity served by the expansion of the commuter train services and by a reticular road network away from the congestive ring road.

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