Imagining the Future of Nairobi’s Urban Renewal
In April 2025, the UrbanBetter Nairobi Cityzens Hub hosted a two-day Futures Literacy Laboratory for young leaders. The group asked, “What could urban renewal look like in Nairobi by 2052?” Participants used creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork to imagine new futures for the city.
Building on this foundation, the laboratory brought together Run Leaders youth advocates, planners, climate justice actors, and community organisers to explore how Nairobi’s future might look if shaped by justice, inclusivity, and ecological harmony. Through interactive activities, such as the Polak Game, causal layered analysis, and scenario building, participants challenged conventional assumptions and developed bold new perspectives on urban renewal.
Some envisioned futures included:
- A just and inclusive city where informal settlements are integrated into planning.
- Ecological living systems that dissolve boundaries between people and nature.
- Communities as active co-creators of governance and urban design.
- Youth-led civic institutions that drive accountability and transparency.
Drawing from these visions, by the end of the lab, participants identified leverage points for action such as institutionalising citizen assemblies, embedding equity into planning, and advocating for data transparency that could help move Nairobi towards healthier, more resilient futures.
This report documents their journey, insights, and recommendations, offering inspiration for policymakers, urban practitioners, and citizens committed to shaping the future of African cities.
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