RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENTS

Connecting Nairobi City to its river

Billups Omido Kamau

B02/0802/2011
University of Nairobi 2016/2017

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 University of Nairobi
College of Architecture and Engineering
School of The Built Environment
Department of Architecture and Building Science
BAR 613: Written Thesis

Author: Billups Omido Kamau

Registration: B02 | 0802/2011
Subject: Final Year Thesis Presentation
Tutor: Arch. Margaret Njoroge

© 2017

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DECLARATION:
This thesis proposal is my original work and has not been presented for purposes of awarding a degree to any other university or institution.
Author: Kamau Billups Omido
…………………………..

This thesis is submitted as partial fulfillment of the examination requirements for the award of the Bachelor of Architecture Degree in the Department
of Architecture and Building Science, University of Nairobi.

Tutor: Arch. Margaret Njoroge Year Co-ordinator: Arch Erastus O. Abonyo

……………………………… ………………………………….

Chairman, Department of Architecture and Building Science; School of the Built Environment
Arch Musau Kimeu
………………………..

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 DEDICATION:
To my Compassion International family,
You gave me education and hope, here I am ready to lead.

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Acknowledgements
To my family; for their endless love, understanding and support both in my academic and general university life throughout the six years.
A special dedication to my dad, Mr. James Kamau and my mum, Beatrice Kamau whose sacrifices, encouragement and enormous support has inspired
me to this far. Thank you for your monetary and mental support through your parenting in my 6 years of study.
My tutor, Mrs. Njoroge Margaret for your tireless efforts, sacrificial assistance, commitment and immense in and out and critical reviews from the
time this thesis was an idea together with Dr Shihembetsa Laban for helping me fine tune my objectives and introduction.
All lecturers, department of architecture and building science ;the chairman Mr Musau Kimeu, Arch Abonyo ,the class master who walked desk to
desk offering support , Mr Kahare Miano , Dr . TC Anyamba, Dr Robert Rukwaro, Prof J Magutu, Arch Nobert Musyoki, Arch. Oyaro, Arch. FG
Mungai, Arch. Eliud Liku, Arch. Adnan Mwakulomba, Arch. Kamenju, Arch. Pammi Thatti, your input, guidance and instruction was valuable to my
molding as an architecture student.
Compassion international for sponsoring my school fees and also sponsoring my academic trip to India to study an international case study for this
thesis.
The heads of NEMA, Ministry of environment and natural resources (Urban Rivers Rehabilitation Programme, the department of environment Nairobi
city council, department of planning, University of Nairobi and the businessmen at Ngara markets and John Michuki park warders).
To my friends in design nation (my classmates); Ben Balozy and Edgar for allowing us to work late into the night, Munyi and Hazary for your
continuous support and academic input mostly into this thesis.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 2.3.1 Reclaiming the waterfront ……...………………………………. 19
2.3.2 Historical background of riverfront developments…………20
1.1 Preamble ………………………………. 2 2.3 .3 Waterfront uses and activities……………………………………. 21
1.2 Problem statement ……………………… 4
2.4. Principles of contextual integration in urban waterfront design
1.3 Objectives of the study …………………..5
…………………………………….22
1.4 Research questions ……….. ………….. 5
2.4.0 Introduction ………………………………………………22
1.5 Justification……………………………. 6
2.4.1Principles for sustainable waterfront development ……… 23
1.6.0 Significance & contribution ……………7
2.4 2 THEME…………………………………………………. 24
1.6.1 Scope and limitations…………………...7
2.4.2.0 IMAGE ………………………………………………….24
1.7 Research methodology………………… 8
2.4.2.1 Shape and character of water space…………………… 24
1.8 Structure of the thesis …………………… 9
2.4.2.2Building proportions…………………………………………………….. 25
1.9 Definition of terms……………………… 10
2.4.2.3 Orientation……………………………………………………………………25

2.4.3 Legibility……………………………………………………………………….. 26

2.4.3.1Physical and visual access ……………………………… 26

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.4.3.2Linkage between city and water edge…………………….26
2.0. Introduction ……………………………….12 2.4.4 Functional; Vitality ……………………………………… 27
2.1. The evaluation of Nairobi rehabilitation… .13 2.4.5 Meaning and authenticity ………………………………… 28
2.1.1 Nairobi river basin program………… . .13 2 .5 Role of stakeholders in Waterfront developments …………29
2.1.2 Critique of the programs ……………. ...15 2. 6 .Developing the riverfront …………………………………..30
2.7. Literature Review Summary…………………………………31
2.2.0Trends of flood mitigation ………………..16
2.2.0 Introduction……………………………….16
2.2.1. Causes of floods ………………………….16
2.2.2 Flood mitigation measures……………. .. .17
2.3: The emergence of waterfronts …… ………… . .19
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3.0: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 32
3.0 Introduction ………………………………….33
3.1 Research purpose…………………………….33
3.2 Research strategy…………………………….33
3.2.1 Case study area ……………………………34
3.2.2 The case studies selection……………….... 34
3.3 Time horizon ………………………………...36
3.4 Population, Element and Population………… 36
3.5 Sampling method/Design …………………….36
3.7 Data Collection Methods ……………………..38
3.7.1: Primary …………………………………….38
3.7.2: Secondary ………………………………….38
3.8 Data Processing/Analysis …………………….39
4.0 CASE STUDIES
4.0 introduction ……………………………………………….41
4. 1 Sabarmati riverfront, India………………………….41
4. 1.1introduction ……………………………………………42
4.1. 2 riverfront architecture……………………… …..43
4.1.3. Riverfront services ………………………………..44
4.1.4 Open spaces-parks, gardens ……………………45
4. 1.5 Sabarmati promenades…………………………..46
4.1. 6: Accessibility; linkages, paths………………... 46
4. 1.6.0 Physical access of the river …………………46
4.1. 7: SOCIAL ISSUES AFFECTING THE RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT …. 47
4.1. 7.0 Introduction ……………………………………………………47.
4.1.7.1 Environment……………………………………………………47
4.1.7.2. Riparian encroachment………………………………………..47
4.1.7.3 River politics…………………………………………………….47
4.1.7.4 River degradation and Flooding…………………………………..47
4.1.7.5. Maintenance & preservation……………………………………..47
4.1.8: Transformation (Before and after rehabilitation) ……………….. 48
4.1.9 Sabarmati Riverfront success and analysis ……………………….49
4.1.10 What design features can be learnt from Sabarmati…………….. 50
4.2: PASIG RIVERFRONT, PHILIPPINES
4.2.0: Introduction …………………………………………………………………………….. 51
4.2.1Problems that face the river and the riparian ………………………………52
4.2.2: Intervention: ……………………………………………………………………………. 53
4.2.3.2 Proposed projects under the Pasig river rehabilitation program 53
4.2.4 Pasig river rehabilitation commission objectives………………………. 54
4. 2. 5: Results ………………………………………………………………………………….. 55
4.2.6: Challenges ……………………………………………………………………………… 56
4.2.7 Lessons …………………………………………………………………………………. 56
4.3 Kuching waterfront ……………………………………………………………………57
4.3.0 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………… 57
4.3.1 Kuching’s riverfronts revitalization ………………………………………… 58
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4.3.2: Kuching riverfront activities ……………………………… 59 4.4.8.1 Riparian encroachment ……………………………………….72

4.3.3. Riverfront features and promenade………………….. 60 4.4.8.2 Ecosystem level changes………………………………………72

4.3.4 : Riverfront Access , connections and linkages…… 60
4.3.5 : Kuching Riverfront Redevelopment Analysis ……. 61
4.3.6 Lessons from Kuching Riverfront, Malaysia ………..61
4.3.7 Conclusion ………………………………………………………… 61
4.4: MAIN CASE STUDY: NAIROBI RIVERFRONT
4. 4. 0 Introduction……………………………………………………62
4.4.8.3 River politics ………………………………………………….72
4.4.8.4 River degradation …………………………………………….72
4.4.8.5 Flooding………………………………………………………73
4.4.9: Maintenance & preservation…………………………………..74
4.4.10 Maasai market…………………………………………………75
4.5 Conclusion ……………………………………………………….75

4.4.1 Justification of the three cases ………………………..63
4. 4. 2: Sub case 1: the source-Undiri swamp…………….63
4.4.3: Case study area 2: …………………………………………..64
4.4.3.1: Form; Riverfront architecture ……………………..64
4.4.3.1.1 Shape and character of water space ………....64
4.4.4: Other clustered developments ………………………66
4.4.4. 1 Markets……………………………………………………....66
4.4.4.2 Settlements………………………………………………….66
Chapter 5: FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS 76
5.1: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN the THREE CASES OF STUDY 77
5.2: Analysis of RIVERFRONT THEME /IMAGE………………………………………….78
5.3: Analysis of RIVERRONT LEGIBILITY; Access and Circulation……………….79
5.4 Analysis of RIVERFRONT FUNCTION ……………………………………………………80
5.4 Analysis of RIVERFRONT SOCIAL ISSUES ………………………………………..….81
5.5 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………….81

4.4.4.3 Orientation ………………………………………………….66

4.4.5: Physical Access of the river. …………………………..67

4.4.5.1 .Visual access……………………………………………....67

4.4.5.2 Linkage between city and water edge ………...67

4.4.6: Variety of activities along the waterfront…......69

4. 4.8: Social Issues affecting the river ………….....72

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Chapter 6: CONCLUSIONS AND RECCOMENDATIONS
6.0: RECCOMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS ………………….. .. 83
6.1.1: Conclusions from Chapter 1 ……………………………………. 84
6.1.2 Conclusions from Chapter 2 ………………………………………… 85
6.1.3 Conclusions from Case studies ……………………………………. 86
6.1.4: Conclusions from Nairobi riverfront findings……………….87
6.14.1 Diversity of experience ……………………………………………87
6.1.4. 2 Conclusions from CBD to riverfront………………………….
6.1. 4. 3 Conclusions from Environmental Impact Assessment of Nairobi
River ……………………………………………………………………………… 88
6.2 : RECCOMENDATTIONS
6.2.1 Reccomendations for cleaning the river …………………. 89
6.2.1.1Special body activities………………………………………………89
6.2.1. 2 Recommendations on Legal process……………………….89
6.2.2 Reccomendations on urban planning- CBD to the riverfront
………………………………………………………………………………………… 90
6.2.3 Reccomendations on architectural design …………………91
6.2.4 Reccomendations on design of Nairobi riverfront……… 92
6.2.5Design features to be applied to Nairobi
riverfront…………………………………………………… 93
6.3 Recommendations on Connections…………………………….93
6.3.0 Waterfront with CBD…………………………………………93
6.3.1 Connections to the Rivers…………………………………….94
6.3.1.2 Perpendicular Connections along Public Uses……………..94
6.3.1. 3 Perpendicular Connections across the River……………… 94
6.3.1.4 Along the River6.3.2 Riverfront Trails …………………….95
6.3.3 Riverfront Promenades………………………………………..95
6.3.4 Riverfront Streets …………………………. ………………. .96
6.3.5 Scenic Drives…………………………………………………96
6.3.6 Landings ……………………………………………………. 97
6.3. 7Recommendations for Riverfront Parking……………………97
6.3.8 Open-Space Planning and Design …………………………..98
6.3.8.1 Buildings, Contextual Scale and Massing…………………98
6.3.8.2Ground-Floor Design……………………………………….98
6.3.8.3 Building Materials ………………………………………..99
6.3.8.4 Rooftop Design…………………………………………… 99
6.3.8.5 Storm water drainage recommendations………………… 99
6.4 Landscapes ………………………………………………….. 100
6.4.1 Public Art ………………………………………………….. 101
6.4.2 Lighting……………………………………………………...101
6.4.2.2 Lighting Bridges…………………………………………..101
6.4.2.3 Lighting Landscapes……………………………………….102
6.4.2.4 Lighting Fountains and Water Features ………………… ..102
6.4.2.5 Sustainability………………………………………………102
6.4 Recommendations for new study………………………………102
References
Appendices
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figures Description
1.1 The River Thames in London, England
1.2 Isar River in Munich, Germany after Revitalization
1.4 The Nairobi river running through Dandora slums.Source:
1.5 Informal settlement along Nairobi River heavily contributes to pollution
1.2.1 : The encroached Nairobi river in Kibera slum
1.2.2: The choked Nairobi River contaminated with grey water, sewer water and waste.
1.3.1: Polluted Nairobi River chocked with plastic bags, containers and other garbage.
1.4.1: Construction going on the riparian of Nairobi River
1.7 Info graphic showing the author’s structure of study

2.1 One of the books in literature review

2.2 The main book in literature review
2.3: The book , remaking of urban waterfronts
2.4 Book ‘Reflections from the riverfront

2.5 National environment management authority

2.6 The NRBP partnerships in their objectives
2.7 Minister John Michuki on rehabilitating Nairobi River
2.8 Ministry of environment recruits cleaning the river
2,9 PS, Charles Sunkuli planting a commemorative tree at the Michuki Park
2.10 House collapses on Nairobi river floodplain.
2.11 River Mathare floods

2.12. Dredging as a way of dealing with floods

2.13 Use of gabions to stabilize the riverbanks
2.14 Old port, Toronto
2.15 Reclaimed waterfront change of use from old port to recreation place
2.16
Corktown Common, Canada is an 18-acre park built on top of a massive berm that protects part of Toronto's downtown from flooding.

2.17 Kuching riverfront, Malaysia

2.18 Revitalized port now used a mixed use, trade fair and aquarium
2.19 Canada's Sugar Beach – which used to be a parking lot – has created a unique public space with a vantage point for the "theatre of
the harbor.
2.20 Religious rituals in Ganges River, India
2.21 Riverfront used as festival and event area,

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2.22 Riverfront used a trade area/ market place
2.23
120,000 people move to Toronto each year

2.24
Building transit, parks and public spaces, and high-speed and accessible broadband Internet are a cornerstone of Waterfront Toronto's
revitalization plan.

2.25 Place driven development can instill a sense of belonging, shared ownership and responsibility

2.26 Shows the waterfront development principles

2.27
River water access, esplanade
2.28 Steel railings on promenade for safety
2.29
Walking esplanade landing at edge of a park
2.30 Building with views to the river
2.31 Any buildings near the river should not obstruct other buildings near it for views

2.32 Map showing the building oriented to the natural river flow
2.33 Bridges, promenades and river streets as part of river access
2.34 Stairs access to the river for boat and kayak use in the river at CLC Spencer
2.35 This belvedere bridge offers unfettered panoramic views of the main span

2.36 Riverfront art installation creates a perceivable image,

2.37 showing variety of activities along the riverfront park

2.38 London eye on Thames River in London is distinct.

2.39 Sabarmati riverfront in concrete
2.40 Riverfront esplanade in timber paving

3.1 Showing the main guiding questions of the research. 2017

3.2 Showing the main factors of consideration the author used in selecting cases of study
3.3 Info graphic showing case studies’ population and time frame of the study
3.4 Showing the main guiding questions of the research. 2017
3.5 Showing the main factors of consideration the author used in selecting cases of study
3.6 Info graphic showing case studies’ population and time frame of the study
3.7 Chart showing classification of sampling techniques
3.8 Data collection methods Info graphic illustrating authors chosen means of presentation
4.1 Showing the Sabarmati river and the reclaimed land
4.2 Showing the upper promenade with cafes and sense of place created over time
4.3 Showing the relocation of slums from the riparian, retaining wall and the existing developments.
4.4 Showing the riverfront developments and the extent of boundary to be developed.

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4.5 Showing the slums at Sabarmati
4.6 Showing the hotels and apartments built after the riverfront was revitalized
4.7 The author with the SRFDCL lead engineers.
4.8 The author in Ahmedabad, India at SRFDCL office
4.9 A bigger plaza at the entrance is the node for all pedestrians and is also parking for tuktuks and motorbikes for the public, adjacent is a
snack shop, the bridge and a recreation zip lining facility.
4.10 Areas adjacent to the riverfront, the spaces are to be revitalized too
4.11 Showing the servicing of the riverfront

4.12 Showing a section through the riverfront

4.13 Showing a section through the riverfront
4.14 The sewer treatment plant at Usmanpura park
4.15 Shows the signage at the park entrance
4.16 The concrete kerbs used for sitting in the green park
4.17 A green amphitheater in the park
4.18 The sculpture that is well manicured with seats around it
4.19 A water feature with a water fountain that is lit at night adds to the aesthetics of the park
4.20 The concrete walkways that accommodates 7 people to walk through
4.21 Showing riverfront parks and public event grounds
4.22 Use of solar powered lights in the park when it gets dark, with benches under the lights.
4.23 All inclusive design - lifts for the disabled from the upper promenade park to the lower promenade
4.24 A section through the riverfront showing drainage and the promenades
4.25 Lower promenades act as linear nodes and paths for the public meetings and a serene place to have evening walks.
4.26 Use of both upper and lower promenades as meeting points and religious festival nodes
4.27 Detailed section through the promenades
4.28 3d impression of the steps that connect the promenades
4.29 A jogging track for the athlete and locals who want to keep fit, sometimes it’s used for competitive races like The Sabarmati marathon.
4.30 Steps that connect upper to lower promenades
4.31 As part of accessing the river, some use tuktuks and motorcycles while some walk to the river and along the riverfront.
4.32 Fig. the lower promenade allows public to access the water.
4.33 Showing Ellis bridge, this is part of the 7 bridges that connect the two sides of the river promenades.
4.34 Riverfront upper promenades also used as parking
4.35 Servicing municipality vehicles that are used in cleaning the riverfront
4.36 The zip lining facility on the riverfront
4.37 Showing a river esplanade in the river done in plastic containers
4.38 A reclaimed Pasig river done in concrete
4.39 Showing someone cleaning the river
4.40 Manila bay with all the Pasig river tributaries.
4.41 showing the map of the Pasig river with its tributaries
4.42 Showing a flooded river that washes the slum on its riparian
4.43
4.44 An artistic impression of the Pasig boat boarding landing
4.45 Slum on flooded Pasig river

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4.46 A landing node on Pasig river in the Manila CBD
4.47
4.49 A reclaimed river esplanade done in concrete with trees and lighting
4.50 Reclaimed marsh land of the river tributary done in concrete for walking
4.51 Pasig river congested by water hyacinth has become a menace
4.53 A river esplanade with parking for motor and bicycles
4.54 Environmentalists involved in cleaning of the river
4.55 A recently redeveloped park along the river that is an ecological site
4.56 A revitalized esplanade of the river used for small scale businesses
4.57 Showing the aerial view of old riverfront and the current esplanade
4.58 Varied developments on the riverfront
4.59 Sense of place created at the river esplanade
4.60 Boating for recreation and transportation n Kuching river
4.61 An info graphic presentation of activities on the riverfront
4.62 One of the historical buildings on the riverfront which is a tourist attraction
4.63 One of the tourist shops in the tourist art district and bazaar along the riverfront
4.64 Sense of place created at the esplanade
4.65 Showing the skyline with the rivers the base of the city
4.66 The waterfront has an overall organic design which follows the shape of the river.
4.67 Riverfront furniture and landscaping
4.68 River esplanade with street furniture
4.69 River esplanade with street lights and safety railings
4.70 River landing and river steps
4.71 Riverfront cafes in flexible tensile structures
4.72 Different mosaic patterns in the paving, designs on the river-wall balustrade and pavilions are based on traditional
Chinese motifs (figure 29). The paving, artworks, decorations and promenade wall feature the rich cultural heritage of
Borneo.
4.73 Riverfront sculpture on the riverfront
4.74 Riverfront art sculpture of bicycles
4.75 River Kuching boating for boating and water transport
4.76 Nairobi River flowing through John Michuki Park
4.77 Nairobi River through Ngara
4. 78 Roundabout at Kamukunji
4.79 Area of study John Michuki Park, globe round about to Kamukunji round about
4.80 John Michuki Park ,Source : author
4.81 Undiri swamp in Kikuyu, Source: author
4.82 Nairobi river supporting agriculture in uplands, Source: author
4.83 Rivers edge with bollards for safety
4.84 Section through the riverfront from building, riparian to the river.
4.85 Showing developments and the green buffer
4.86 Part of the developments
4.87 Most of the buildings are 4-6 floors

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4.88 Part of the walkway to the Ngara informal market
4.89 Elevation of the developments from the downtown side, most of the building floors are 4- 5 floors, in concrete blocks
and glazed windows.
4.90 Section through the riverfront showing the developments with reference to the river, this section shows mixed use
developments with rear side allows the riparian to be host garages and informal structures for restaurants.
4.91 Showing the informal shelters part of the informal Ngara market.
4.92 Showing the Ngara bridge near Ngara market
4.93 Showing section through the walkway
4.94 Showing the dilapidated pedestrian access along the river
4.95 Showing the walkway with green buffer
4.96 The women and street families cleaning plastic bags in the river
4.97 Garages on the riparian
4.98 At Ngara market, the traders use the water for cleaning
4.99 Shows vegetation in the river
4.100 Shows gabions on the river
4.101 Shows section of river channels before it floods in informal settlements
4.102 Encroachment, residential building on riparian
4.103 Acidification causes Typha zone, presence of …plant in the river
4.104 Polluted channelized river waste dumping
4.105 Shows the transformation of natural river into concrete channelized river
4.106 Shows the effect of river work –river erosion, (abstraction of the flood water on the river banks)
4.107 Flooded Nairobi river
4.108 Part of the river bank eroded by floods
4.109 Walkway along the river in the park
4.110 Maasai market at the park on Tuesday
4.111 Section through the bridge and Ngara market
5.1 Table showing a comparative analysis of the 4 riverfronts
5.2 Table showing comparative analysis of 4 riverfronts through the riverfront access –connection parameter
5.3 Showing a section through Ngara
6.1 Showing the dirty Nairobi river through Gikomba market
6.2 Artistic impression of a clean Nairobi river through residential
6.3 Artistic impression of a revitalized john Michuki park by planning systems firm, Kenya
6.4 A revitalized riverfront walking promenade
6.5 Natural walking esplanade used for skating , jogging and cycling
6.6 manmade River at the Hub mall, Karen
6.7 Restoration of river banks through gabions to prevent flooding and erosion
6.8 Beautification of river reserves through river forests
6.9 Section of a conceptual riverfront promenade
6.10 Riverfront walkway along the river in John Michuki park
6.11 Manmade river at the Hub mall , recreation boating happens on the river
6.12 River is a source of livelihood for many-people collecting plastic bags from the river for seling
6.13 Board showing the ministry responsible for cleaning and rehabilittaing the John michuki park
6.14 Chiromo university students clea ing the river

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6.15
An artistic impression of a revitalized neighborhood with Nairobi river
6.16
A recreational zone on Cheoching river , Japan
6.17
An artistic expression of a proposed project at Michuki park
6.18
Section through riverfront
6.19
An artistic impression model on Sabarmati riverfront in India
6.20
Channelized Nairobi River
6.21
Variety of use on the riverfront
6.22
Children touch and play with the water
6.23 Conceptual river promenade access to the river used as recreational place
6.24 Lighting on river promenade
6.25 Artistic impression of the riverfront with a bridge and landscaped
6.26 Riverfront trails through forest
6.27 Section trough riverfront showing trail and pedestrian promenade
6.28 Kuching river esplanade
6.29 A model showing riverfront street
6.30 A riverfront promenade of Pasig river
6.31 Sabarmati riverfront scenic drive
6.32 Section through a riverfront landing
6.33 Vidalia Landing Riverfront Park - Vidalia, Louisiana
6.34 Showing roof terrace
6.35 An amphitheater on riverfront
6.36 Section through the riverfront buildings
6.37 Showing an artistic impression of landscaped riverfront
6.38 An art installation on river promenade
6.39 Public art on water
6.41 Landscaped lighting
6.52 Use of street lights along Kuching riverfront
6.53 Lighting on bridge
6.54 Lighting on landscape through paved walkway
6.55 Lighting of walkway deck into the water
6.56 Dancing water fountains lit in variety of colors

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ABSTRACT
‘Like a stroll , one by one I see humans head to the waterfront , its lure captures the five senses of man .It’s more than just the beauty
of the buildings that pattern the riverine, it is rhythm ,it is the image , it is the legibility that enables access , for the ones with the
motor to the pedestrians who prefer the foot, it’s for all ! Let’s talk of colors , of greens, framing the blue waters ,of the clear pure
water to touch , the humans have come from all over , their node is the CBD and now the riverfronts –a converging point , a sense
of place makes them stay , sampling bitings of the metropolitan Nairobi as they enjoy a boat ride on the waters , they take 360 degrees
turn and they can’t take all the beauty in ,thank that they will stay for hours because the waterfront is a mixed use ’’ Billups Omido
When one sees huge masses of water, a certain coolness and serenity comes to mind, be it a sea, an ocean, lake or even a river .In the
recent past, the waterfront phenomena has taken a wave worldwide, from India to Philippines to Rhine in Germany and the Thames in
England .Many people have moved to the waterfront just because of the lure of the water, not only is the waterfront a place to live but
also a place to work and recently a place to play-recreation. The concept of mixed use at the waterfront dates back few years ago
because of the demand of maximizing the potential at the waterfront.
Unfortunately depending on the context, some rivers get to a point of straining either because of disuse of an old port, some due to
industrialization effects, rural urban migration, encroachment of informal settlements, pollution; all these reasons put strain on the
urban rivers. In the case of Nairobi River, land laws, politics, unsustainable city planning approaches and urban sprawl have hampered
the growth of developments along the river, this is because the river has been neglected and its potential has not been realized leave
alone being maximized. This study seeks to identify and confirm the Nairobi River basin problems like:
Solid waste and raw sewage discharge into the river, Lack of environmental awareness within the urban poor, inadequate waste
collection, disposal, and sanitation facilities contribute to the river pollution.
In this study, the author seeks to find ways in which waterfronts can be integrated with the urban districts, and how new waterfronts
can be developed through set principles and from learning from other deemed successful riverfronts. The author also looks at the
history of waterfronts, their degradation and how they have been rehabilitated or revitalized for recreation purposes and mixed use
purposes in economic regeneration. The author goes further into studying the process of developing a new waterfront to looking at all
the stakeholders involved in the process.
With regards to the degradation that has taken place over a long period of time in this decayed urban window, the government and other
NGOS have tried to rehabilitate the river over time they have lacked a feasible way forward. The author thus seeks to investigate
innovative ways to revitalize Nairobi River and to find ways of connecting Nairobi urban to its river.

With reference to selected case studies as a basis, the study should fill the gap of knowledge on how new riverfronts can be developed
while undertaking revitalization with aim of connecting the urban district to the river.

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 Riverfront Developments – Connecting Nairobi city to its river

Chapter 1
Introduction:
‘We are now, not only trying to restore what was there, but also creating
broader uses and activities that will contribute to, and raise the overall quality and image of communities’
Hoyle, Pinder, & Husain, 1996

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 Riverfront Developments – Connecting Nairobi city to its river
1.1 PREAMBLE
Many urban towns in the world have benefited a lot from the riverfronts not just as a transport
path but also as an edge, a defining boundary for their districts. Recently, many urban towns
have undertaken great projects to orient their cities to waterfronts, one of them being major
rivers. In the case of Kenya that has many rivers, the Nairobi basin is one of a kind in a city
setup with three rivers flowing through it (rivers Mathare, Nairobi and Ngong’). The rivers
mentioned above join east of Nairobi and meet Athi River eventually flowing into the Indian
Ocean. Like many riverfronts in urban centers, these rivers determine the type of articulation of
built forms along its edge.

Fig. 1.0 Urban riverfront developments have become a frontier in urban development attracting a lot of
public interest like investment , recreation and enhancing of city image like in the case of River
The River Thames in London, England Thames in London, Isar river in Munich Germany ( as shown in figures 1.0 and 1.1) just to mention
Source: Urbanrivers.com but a few.

Fig 1.2
Isar River in Munich, Germany after
Revitalization
Source: Newwaterfront.edu
Fig1.3: Map showing Nairobi water basin (Nairobi river, Mathare river and Ngong’ river)

Source:
2

Fig 1.4The Nairobi river running through
Dandora slums.Source: Author
Fig1.5 Informal settlement along Nairobi
River heavily contributes to pollution.
Source: Author
Riverfront Developments – Connecting Nairobi city to its river
Like many cities in the world that have rivers and other waterfronts, the river becomes datum of
organization and a hub of activity for the city dwellers. Over time, the co-existence of these two
elements (city and the river ) affect one another and any design solutions proposed affect the
rivers typology , life and its experience .
This river defines and supports the growth of many developments of the urban fabric from
industrial, residential, commercial, recreation to institutional. A defining edge in the city, the rivers
have been degraded and then neglected, their fame have long died or caused far much greater
problems to the city residents who live along the riverine. One of this rivers in focus is the Nairobi
River.
The Nairobi River is a natural feature that significantly defines the city of Nairobi. The river has
several tributaries, including Ruriki, Komati, Ruiruaka, Karri, Githaturu, Mathare, Kirichwa and
Motoine-Ngong’ rivers.
Land laws, politics, unsustainable city planning approaches and urban sprawl have hampered the
growth of developments along the river, this is because the river has been neglected and its
potential has not been realized leave alone being maximized at all as shown in Figure 1.4 and Fig
1.5. This research identifies the Nairobi River basin problems as follows:
I. Solid waste and raw sewage discharge into the river
II. Lack of environmental awareness within the urban poor
III. Inadequate waste collection, disposal, and sanitation facilities
The report by NEMA on the state of Nairobi River lists the weakness of the policy makers and
implementation as the problems affecting Nairobi River. Efforts geared to restore the river have
borne little fruit, none of these have addressed issues affecting the river and the urban fabric in
context. The problems that affect the riverfront of Nairobi is encroachment by the people near the
river, this causes a scenario that is hard to deal with because of constant pollution from the slums
as shown in Figure 1.5.
For the sake of this study, the authors aim is to establish ways in which planners, other
professionals in the built environment, developers, the government, the community or a
partnership of all would create an integration- a connection or a link of the central business district
with the riverfront being a focus of sustainability and a node of activities.
3

Fig1.6 :The encroached Nairobi river in
Kibera slum .Source :Author
Fig 1.7: The choked Nairobi River
contaminated with grey water, sewer
water and waste. Source: Author
Riverfront Developments – Connecting Nairobi city to its river
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
Riverfronts are major urban datum from which cities’ nodes form and the city emerge from,
forming a great edge of the city supporting many activities from social to economic activities. In
most scenarios, the rivers that are well-articulated form a terrestrial link from one district (city) to
another, and this has a great bearing on the entire city image.
A case study of Nairobi River; Nairobi is known as a ‘place of cool waters ‘because of the dynamic
and the cool waters, that’s where Nairobi got its name according to the Maasai ‘il maa’. Over the
years the river has deteriorated because of pollution, degradation and sometimes flooding. This is
caused by encroachment by settlers on the riverfront like in Fig 1.6 and Fig 1.7 , since the land
policies are not well implemented, the result is that the people build with no response to the river
.There has been an increasing interest in evaluating and improving the water quality of the river
and its ecosystem over the last several years with very little success. Assessment of erosion control
problems associated with storm water, sewer outfalls and other modifications along the river as a
guide to future restoration and upgrading have borne no fruit.
In other words here is the problem: Rapid urbanization, industrialization, poor urban planning
and weak enforcement of the environmental laws leading to serious environmental degradation
due to the following;
drain into the
river.
Inadequate sewerage systems leading to illegal discharges into the rivers
The effects of the river have in turn affected the urban window and the riverfront becomes a site
that is unbearable and inhabitable. The transformation of urban riverfronts in Nairobi plays a major
role in the ongoing renewal of the urban fabric from its nodes, linkages up to the edges of the city.
Like many other urban riverfronts that serve the urban population by Providing livelihood through
riverfront businesses ,Aesthetics-to be enjoyed by the urban population , To have the aquatic
habitat thrive with the riverine fauna and flora , unfortunately in the case of Nairobi River, this is
further from the truth.
4

Fig 1.8: Polluted Nairobi River chocked with
plastic bags, containers and other garbage.
Fig 1.9: Construction going on the riparian of
Nairobi River . Source: NEMA
Riverfront Developments – Connecting Nairobi city to its river
This thesis seeks to establish the effects that the built environment has on Nairobi river and vice
versa; with a response to inform the redevelopment and revitalization of the same. Many built
forms have given their backs to the river disregarding its orientation to the river, in turn there has
been waste dumping and degradation activities on the river .When the river becomes inhabitable,
the city image is destroyed and a cycle of problems ensues as shown in Fig 1.8 .
This study therefore seeks ways of integrating urban fabric more so the Central business district
to the riverfront with the aim of improving the rivers water quality, cleaning the riparian,
improving public access and addition of beauty to the riverfront while creating a sustainable
living city space for the Nairobi urban people with a potential of mixed use zone of urban
activities.
Using selective case studies in the world the author seeks to learn how riverfronts have been
revitalized and renewed their respective city image with an aim of doing the same to Nairobi
riverfront - connecting the Nairobi urban to its riverfront.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The proposed study seeks to;
1. To document the past and present situation analysis of the Nairobi riverfront.
2. To critique the situation of the Nairobi riverfront in connection to articulation and use of the
riverfront and to undertake a comparative case analysis
3. To study riverfronts in the world with aim to revitalize Nairobi riverfront
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. What is the past and present situation analysis of the Nairobi riverfront?
2. What is the critique of the Nairobi riverfront with connection to the Nairobi urban fabric?
3. Which principles of riverfront revitalization and integration can be applied to Nairobi River?
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 Riverfront Developments – Connecting Nairobi city to its river

1.5 JUSTIFICATION
Many waterfronts in the world have been transformed from working industrial ports into commercial, recreational and tourist areas. In
addition, private developers began making profits by exploiting the waterfront’s ambience in the marketing of their projects. As a result
of both private initiative and public involvement, cities have gained valuable benefits from the redevelopment projects such as new
parks, walkways and other recreational facilities (Craig-Smith & Fagence, 1995). They provide a unique opportunity to reconnect what
is special and remarkable about the river and to achieve a more sustainable and enjoyable quality of life.

Waterfronts all over the world play a major role in orienting the city and anchoring many activities of the city from transportation to
social to rejuvenating economies. The Kenyan government and developers as it is, is limited in scope as pertains to riverfront
development opportunities. A great understanding of the significance of urban riverfronts and how to suitably rehabilitate them
contributes to the knowledge of economic regeneration and improving the city image.
Most publishing including Hoyle, Pinder, & Husain, 1996 has pointed to the importance of urban water bodies ’ a major thrust is
underway to reclaim such water bodies, after turning our back on these valuable assets for a long time. We are now, not only trying to
restore what was there, but also creating broader uses and activities that will contribute to, and raise the overall quality and image of
communities’
The intensification of waterfront development in other countries, has led to increasing academic interest, reflected in a series of
international conferences and major publications focusing on different aspects of the phenomenon (See for example Acosta, 1990; Breen
& Rigby, 1994; Gaffen, 2004; Goodwin, 1999; Gospodini, 2001; Hoyle & Pinder, 1992; Hoyle, Pinder, & Husain, 1988; Latip, et al.,
2010; Tsukio, 1984; Wrenn, 1983).

However, in Nairobi, waterfront development and associated environmental and social issues have not gained the same level of attention.
Therefore, this research aims to bring a new vision to waterfront development by incorporating economic development goals with
community goals and the government’s desire to achieve successful development practices. Incorporating the environmental, economic
and social aspects with adaptable related regulations for waterfront development is the way to develop successful waterfront
development practices that will benefit the population and subsequently, enhance the economic success of waterfront locations.
The focus is the development along the river, and the water body provides a basis of organization for the built forms in context, the river
becomes a datum of planning and the water itself is the primary element and focus of any architecture that has to happen along the river.

With regards to the degradation that has taken place over a long period of time in this decayed urban window, the government and other
NGOS have tried to rehabilitate the river over time they have lacked a feasible way forward. The author thus seeks to investigate
innovative trends in contextualized urban riverfront revitalization with regard to built forms so as to fill the existing knowledge gap
pertaining to the problem facing Nairobi River.

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 Riverfront Developments – Connecting Nairobi city to its river

1.6.0 SIGNIFICANCE AND CONTRIBUTION OF THE RESEARCH

The first contribution of this study is to the body of knowledge about how to achieve best practice riverfront development specifically
in the Kenyan – Nairobi context. With this attention on best practice, neighborhoods can be reconnected to the water and to each other,
the water quality can be improved and biodiversity can be rehabilitated. Riverfronts are valuable economic resources that should be
conserved and managed appropriately.
The second contribution is to inform and educate Kenyan policy makers responsible for the control, development and administration of
waterfront developments. When the policy makers recognize the importance of best practice waterfront developments and the guiding
principles, it becomes easier to adapt and address the policy interventions that govern riverfront developments.
The aim of the study therefore is to provide basic guideline on how to undertake new riverfront developments and how to integrate the
contextual urban fabric.

1.6.1 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

Waterfront development in this research refers specifically to the development of the riverfront. This study focuses on any riverfront
development use such as residential, mixed-use development or recreational along the Nairobi river specifically edging on the CBD.

Where this dissertation is geared towards finding out the trends in riverfront developments, the study will be limited in scope to riverfront
development in urban centers to the transformation of the riverfronts and the history of the developments on the riverine. A background
study of the riverfront developments and the revitalization concepts will however be conducted to ascertain its historical developments
transformation with emerging trends.
As part of this study will investigate the current state of the Nairobi River with specific bias to Nairobi River assessing the need for
revitalization and its role in economic regeneration through urban renewal. This study is limited to Nairobi and parts of the tributaries
since a good successful revitalization requires the whole stretch of the river in the city with tributaries that contribute to it too.
Time limitations and financial constraints will confine a small bit of the river to analysis. Most of the international case studies used in
this study are only assessed from the internet and published material on the same due to the length of time, complexity involved in travel
as well the financial factor that would inhibit the study across the globe.

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 Riverfront Developments – Connecting Nairobi city to its river

1.7 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Both qualitative and quantitative methods of research will be employed while undertaking this study. Non-obtrusive methods of data collection will
also be employed.
Sources of information will include:
1.7.1 Literature review on published and unpublished material
1.7.1. Published material
Several books, papers done by organizations like UNEP, NEMA and others outline some of the programs undertaken in the past to revitalize and
restore the river.
1.7.1 Unpublished material
The urban edge; sustainable exploitation of urban riparian way leaves, the case of Nairobi River; Yungo, Nelly; UON 2000.
This thesis focused on the management and sustainability issues of the Nairobi River riparian and its degradation .It focused the study of the Nairobi
River riparian in terms of planning, water conditions, and the laws governing water bodies especially rivers in urban centers. The thesis proposed
that ‘the by laws governing developments along the river need to be revised, so as to be specific and sensitive to the river. This way, the developments
resulting will enhance sustainable exploitation and restoration of the river “
The thesis does not study in depth the built forms on the riverfront, connections of the riverfront to the urban CBD, the materials and the building
technology used.
1.7.2 On- site activity studies- Different sections of the river will be selected for field study as representation of the current conditions along the
river
1.7.3 Internet sourcing
This will involve gathering any information relevant to urban riverfronts, particularly information in published literature, as well as documentation,
articles and graphic representation in form of photographs, drawings which may be unavailable locally.
1.7.4 Interviews
This will include interviews with relevant professionals namely architects, planners and other officers and experts involved in the redevelopment
of the Nairobi riverfront. Interviews with NEMA, local authorities, Ministry of Environment and Mineral resources and the occupants of the
riverfronts

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 Riverfront Developments – Connecting Nairobi city to its river

1.8 STRUCTURE OF THE THESIS

This thesis is sectioned into 6 chapters
Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter introduces the thesis, highlights the problem statement, the aims and objectives, the scope and limitation, the justification
and significance of the study.
Chapter 2-Literature review
This chapter introduces the city of Nairobi. There is a study on some of the issues affecting the river, flooding and pollution that have
come from encroachment. The emergence of riverfronts and principles of waterfront development will be highlighted. A brief study on
Nairobi river rehabilitation and restoration program, the initiatives by the government and NEMA and conclusions of the literature.
Chapter 3-Research methodology
Chapter three discusses the methods to be employed and the reasons for adopting more than one method as part of the research
strategy. General background information and the context of the selected case studies, data collection procedures and data analysis are
provided in this chapter. The chapter will also address reliability and validity issues related to data, as well as the sampling and design.
From this, a working model is established to provide a basic framework for the research.
Chapter 4- Case studies and Nairobi River Study
The chapter looks to exemplify the best practices concerning contextual integration of built forms on riverfronts in developing cities.
Analysis of the best practices will be carried out against the variables obtained through review of literature. The cases of interest are;
Kuching riverfront in Malaysia, Sabarmati river in India ,Pasig River in Manila, Philippines and the main case study as Nairobi
riverfront in Kenya. This chapter focusses on the findings of the fieldwork carried out. The findings from selected areas of study are
analyzed under four main topics which are based on identified primarily from the literature review
Chapter 5- Findings and data analysis
This chapter brings an analytical approach of all the data from all the 4 case studies, with a comparative approach to deduce certain
parameters and conclusions of study.
Chapter 6-Conclusions and Recommendation
This research then concludes with a discussion of the research limitations, the implications of the study parameters, the research
conclusions from every chapter with recommendations for future research.

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 Riverfront Developments – Connecting Nairobi city to its river

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Waterfront coherence-this is the existence of various activities and elements in an urban setup in a holistic unity next to a water body
such as river, lake or sea.
Sustainability- this refers to the ability of a development to be in a constant state causing no damage to the physical environment with
a contribution to the city’s ability to maintain its ecosystem and socio economic structures.
Urban edge- according to Lynch5 , urban edge are linear elements like boundaries between two phase , linear breaks of continuity like
shores, walls, edges of developments and rivers.
Such edges can be barriers but still penetrable, or they may be ties featuring two regions joined to each other.
Riparian way leave- this is the right of land that belongs to a natural river, this easement ranges from 15 meters to 60 meters of land
on either side of the river, depending to the nature or size of the river.
Sustainable development – that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs (Brundtland Comm, 1989)
Waterfront development- land reclaimed for water in order to create an extension of existing city centers (Butuner, 2006) ( Breen and
Rigby (1994, 1996) considerers that waterfront development may not be directly front water, but may made only to look as if its attached
to water .Waterfront development refers to any development in front of river areas
Rehabilitation-partial functional and /or structural return to former or pre-degradation condition of rivers or putting them back to good
working order (Wade at al.1998, p.2)
Naturalization –bringing a river ecosystem back to a natural state but without targeting the really pristine, pre disturbance state
(cf.Mendiondo 1999)

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