Nairobi Residents Research Articles

Prevalence and Determinants of Ideal Cardiovascular Health in Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Data From the 2015 Kenya STEPwise Survey.

Kenya is experiencing a rising burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) due to epidemiological and demographic shifts, along with increasing risk factors. Ideal cardiovascular health (iCVH), defined by the American Heart Association (AHA), encompasses eight metrics to evaluate cardiovascular well-being. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of iCVH in Kenya. Data from the 2015 Kenya STEPwise survey on non-communicable disease risk factors, including 4,500 adults aged 18-69, were analysed. iCVH was assessed using 2022 AHA criteria based on seven factors: nicotine exposure, physical activity, diet, BMI, blood pressure, glucose, and lipid levels. A cardiovascular health (CVH) CVH score of ≥80% classified individuals as having iCVH. Multivariable binary and ordinal logistic regression identified factors associated with iCVH. The mean CVH score in Kenya was 78.6% (95% CI: 77.9,79.2%), higher in females (79.3%), rural areas (79.5%), and non-drinkers (79.6%) than in males (77.9%), urban residents (77.0%), and alcohol drinkers (75.4%), respectively. The prevalence of iCVH (CVH score ≥80%) was 45.6%, while 6.4% had poor CVH (CVH score <50%). Only 1.2% achieved the maximum CVH score. iCVH prevalence declined with age and was lower among married individuals (43.7%), alcohol drinkers (32.3%), and urban residents (39.7%). Older adults had 50-80% lower odds of iCVH compared to those under 30 years. Alcohol users (AOR 0.5; p < 0.001) and urban residents (AOR 0.6; p < 0.001) were less likely to have iCVH. Residents of Nairobi and Central regions had 40-60% lower odds of iCVH compared to those in Rift Valley. The Kalenjin (AOR 0.5; p = 0.027) and Turkana (AOR 0.3; p = 0.002) ethnic groups had lower odds of iCVH compared to the Kisii. Less than half of Kenyan adults have iCVH, with poorer CVH status among older adults, urban residents, and alcohol users. Targeted public health interventions could mitigate the CVD burden and enhance health outcomes in Kenya.

China's soft power projection through the Chinese media: assessing the implications of Chinese media on Africans' perception of China's national image

PurposeThis article examines the effect of China's soft power projection through the Chinese media in Africa on the African audiences' perception of China's national image through a case study of the residents of Nairobi. It adopted Joseph Nye's soft power model and sought to address three fundamental questions : What is the extent and objective of China's media diplomacy in Africa? How has China's media “offensive” in Africa impacted African audiences' imagery of China? What are the implications, if any, of China's media diplomacy on the Kenyan public view of China?Design/methodology/approachThis article used a mixed-methods research design, which deployed elements of positivism and interpretivism. It used a deductive approach and deployed the survey strategy, which entailed the collection of data from Nairobi city residents. The secondary data were collected from relevant academic literature sources. The primary data were analyzed empirically using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), while the secondary data were analyzed using discourse analysis.FindingsChina's soft power projection through the Chinese media in Africa is aimed at addressing the “misinformation” about China. China seeks its share of representation among the African public to correct negative perceptions of China. Kenyans had a generally positive attitude toward China. South Africa and Angola have “Fairly” positive perceptions of the Chinese media. However, this study did not reveal whether the perception was due to the influence of Chinese media. These findings implied that the African public's positive imagery of China cannot be fully attributed to Chinese media's influence.Originality/valueThis study is groundbreaking in that it is one of the few studies that have focused on China's public diplomacy in Africa and assessed the impact of Chinese media on the African public’s perception of China.

SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and implications for population immunity: Evidence from two Health and Demographic Surveillance System sites in Kenya, February-December 2022.

We sought to estimate SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence within representative samples of the Kenyan population during the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic and the second year of COVID-19 vaccine use. We conducted cross-sectional serosurveys among randomly selected, age-stratified samples of Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) residents in Kilifi and Nairobi. Anti-spike (anti-S) immunoglobulin G (IgG) serostatus was measured using a validated in-house ELISA and antibody concentrations estimated with reference to the WHO International Standard for anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin. HDSS residents were sampled in February-June 2022 (Kilifi HDSS N= 852; Nairobi Urban HDSS N= 851) and in August-December 2022 (N= 850 for both sites). Population-weighted coverage for ≥1 doses of COVID-19 vaccine were 11.1% (9.1-13.2%) among Kilifi HDSS residents by November 2022 and 34.2% (30.7-37.6%) among Nairobi Urban HDSS residents by December 2022. Population-weighted anti-S IgG seroprevalence among Kilifi HDSS residents increased from 69.1% (65.8-72.3%) by May 2022 to 77.4% (74.4-80.2%) by November 2022. Within the Nairobi Urban HDSS, seroprevalence by June 2022 was 88.5% (86.1-90.6%), comparable with seroprevalence by December 2022 (92.2%; 90.2-93.9%). For both surveys, seroprevalence was significantly lower among Kilifi HDSS residents than among Nairobi Urban HDSS residents, as were antibody concentrations (p< 0.001). More than 70% of Kilifi residents and 90% of Nairobi residents were seropositive for anti-S IgG by the end of 2022. There is a potential immunity gap in rural Kenya; implementation of interventions to improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake among sub-groups at increased risk of severe COVID-19 in rural settings is recommended.

The Association between Levels of Psychological Distress Due to COVID-19 and Psychological Coping Strategies among Nairobi Residents

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, people have responded and psychologically coped in different ways. These psychological coping strategies have not been identified and how they relate to the levels of psychological distress largely remain unknown, especially amongst the Nairobi residents. Thus, to explore the association between the levels of distress due to COVID-19 and psychological coping strategies two tools of assessment were used for data collection; the Brief Cope inventory and the COVID-19-related psychological distress for healthy people (CORPD). An ex post facto research design was used to survey 356 Nairobi residents. Data was analysed through the application of descriptive statistics and inferential analysis. The results show that there was no statistical association between problem-focused coping with the psychological distress outcome (r=.222 p value &gt;0.01) and no statistical association between emotion-focused and psychological distress construct (r=.181 p value &gt;0.01). However, there is a statistical correlation between avoidant-focused coping and psychological distress (r=.567 p value &lt;0.01). Thus, residents who engaged in avoidant coping due to the pandemic were more prone to psychological distress, while those who were active problem solvers and emotionally focused had stable psychological health and were less distressed

Age-Related Differences on Psychological Distress Levels and Coping Strategies Due to COVID-19 among Nairobi Residents

The study sought to establish whether there are age differences in the coping strategies and psychological distress levels among Nairobi Residents due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was necessitated by a paucity of scholarly studies that have examined age differences in psychological coping strategies and levels of distress due to the pandemic. Two tools of assessment were used for data collection; the Brief Cope inventory and the COVID-19 Related Psychological Distress (CORPD) for healthy people. An ex post facto research design was used to survey 356 Nairobi residents. Data were analyzed through the application of descriptive statistics and inferential analysis. The results show that there were significant statistical differences between age and psychological coping strategies (p-value=.001) but no significant statistical differences between age and psychological distress levels (p-value=.514). The study thus recommends that the residents of Nairobi be educated on active coping strategies, self-distraction, planning and venting to enable them to reduce psychological distress that may accrue out of the fear, anxiety, and suspicion related to the COVID-19 pandemic

Recreational green spaces as the future for sustainable cities: Case of Karura Forest in Nairobi, Kenya

Urban areas have been experiencing unprecedented growth since the beginning of the 20th century. Rapid urbanization is likely to present various challenges relating to human health, food security, water and energy needs, aesthetic and recreational spaces. Thus, the United Nations Agenda 2030 premised on economic, social and environmental sustainability may not be realized. This paper focuses on the recreational facilities in Karura Forest located in the peri-urban area of Nairobi City. It uses both quantitative and qualitative research design. In-depth literature review was used to enrich research findings. Data was collected from a selected sample of 1150 Nairobi residents. It provides an inventory of recreational facilities and examines the contribution open and green spaces make to the residents. The preferences of these residents to visit the facilities are also documented. The study found out that about 77.6% of the visitors came from nearby high-income areas of Muthaiga, Nyari, Rosslyn, Peponi and Runda, about 21.4% came from middle-income areas of Parklands, Mlolongo, Athi River and Langata while only a paltry 1% came from the low-income areas of Kangemi, Ngara, Huruma and DeepSea slums. Most of the visitors were between 14 and 52 years of age. Findings are expected to inform policy and future urban planning for green spaces and their recreational value. To ensure sustainable development in the future, there is need to preserve the existing open and recreational green facilities in Nairobi. Both the County and National Governments should formulate and implement the Sustainable Kenyan Cities Policy to preserve open and green spaces in the rapidly growing urban areas of the country.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

FACTORS AFFECTING THE UPTAKE OF PAY TV AMONG NAIROBI RESIDENTS IN KENYA

Purpose: This study sought to find out the factors affecting the uptake of pay TV with a focus on Nairobi residents. The specific objectives of the study were to find out how cost implications, perceived satisfaction, awareness and reliable service provision affect the uptake of pay TV among Nairobi residents.&#x0D; Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study used convenience sampling methods to select a sample size of 43 respondents from 50% of Nairobi Wards. The data collection instrument used was a structured questionnaire with both close and open-ended questions. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS and presentations made in tables, for easy interpretation.&#x0D; Results: Correlation analysis, established the existence of positive and significant relationship between effect of cost implications, perceived satisfaction, effect of pat TV awareness and effect of reliable service provision on the uptake of pay TV services among the residents of Nairobi. The study concludes that cost implications, pay TV awareness, perceived satisfaction, and reliable service provision are all key factors that are affecting the uptake of pay TV services among the residents of Nairobi.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory and Practice: The study recommends that Pay TV service providers should enhance consumer education as far as pay TV versus free-to-air services is concerned. The study recommends that further research be carried out on the moderating effect of social media platforms (as alternates for broadcast media) on consumer choices for pay TV service

High seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 but low infection fatality ratio eight months after introduction in Nairobi, Kenya

BackgroundThe lower than expected COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in Africa has been attributed to multiple factors, including weak surveillance. This study estimated the burden of SARS-CoV-2 infections eight months into the epidemic in Nairobi, Kenya.MethodsA population-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted using multi-stage random sampling to select households within Nairobi in November 2020. Sera from consenting household members were tested for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Seroprevalence was estimated after adjusting for population structure and test performance. Infection fatality ratios (IFRs) were calculated by comparing study estimates with reported cases and deaths.ResultsAmong 1,164 individuals, the adjusted seroprevalence was 34.7% (95% CI 31.8-37.6). Half of the enrolled households had at least one positive participant. Seropositivity increased in more densely populated areas (spearman's r=0.63; p=0.009). Individuals aged 20-59 years had at least two-fold higher seropositivity than those aged 0-9 years. The IFR was 40 per 100,000 infections, with individuals ≥60 years old having higher IFRs.ConclusionOver one-third of Nairobi residents had been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 by November 2020, indicating extensive transmission. However, the IFR was >10-fold lower than that reported in Europe and the USA, supporting the perceived lower morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa.

High Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Eight Months After Introduction in Nairobi, Kenya

Background: The lower-than-expected COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in Africa has been attributed to multiple factors, including weak surveillance. We set out to estimate the burden of SARS-CoV-2 infections eight months into the epidemic in Nairobi, Kenya.Methods: We conducted a population based cross-sectional survey using multi-stage random sampling to select households within Nairobi in November 2020. Sera from consenting household members were tested for IgM and IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Seroprevalence was estimated after adjusting for population structure and test performance. Risk factors were determined using logistic regression and Infection fatality ratios (IFRs) calculated by comparing our estimates to reported cases and deaths.Findings: Of 1,164 individuals from 527 households tested, the adjusted seroprevalence was 34·7% (95%CI 31·8-37·6), indicating that approximately 1·5 million Nairobi residents had been infected. Some 261 (49·5%) households had at least one positive participant, and positivity rates increased in more densely populated areas (spearman’s r=0·63; p=0·009). Individuals aged 20-59 years had up to 2-fold higher seropositivity when compared to those aged 0-9 years or ≥60 years. The IFR was 40 per 100,000 infections, with individuals ≥40 years old having higher IFRs.Interpretation: Over one third of Nairobi residents in half of the households were infected by November 2020, indicating extensive transmission in the city, comparable to countries reporting more severe forms of the pandemic. However, the IFR was >10-fold lower than that reported in Europe and the United States, supporting the perceived low morbidity and mortality in sub–Saharan Africa.Funding Statement: Funding was provided by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), grant number U01AI151799, through the Centre for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases – East and Central Africa (CREID-ECA).Declaration of Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interestsEthics Approval Statement: This study was reviewed and approved by the Kenya Medical Research Institute Scientific and Ethical Review Committee (number SSC 4098), National Commission for Science Technology and Innovation (number 827570), U.S. CDC (number CGH-ET-4/12/21-f3b82), and a reliance approval provided by Washington State University Institutional Review Board based on in-country ethical reviews as provided for in Code of Federal Regulations (45 C.F.R part 46 and 21 C.F.R. part 56). Administrative approval was provided by the Kenya MoH and Nairobi City County administration. All participants provided written consent prior to enrollment.

Exploring the Spatial Variation Characteristics and Influencing Factors of PM2.5Pollution in Nairobi City, Kenya: A preliminary Analysis

Background Quality of air is an important determinant of health hence of public health importance for a city. If exposure to air pollution varies spatially, this may lead to significant inequality in related health risk. Since air pollution combines with other aspects of the social and physical environment, a likely scenario would be a disproportional disease burden in less affluent parts of society. Previous studies using portable filter-based air samplers carried in backpacks by technicians over two weeks showed that mean daytime concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5) in Nairobi ranged from 10.7 at the rural background site to 98.1 μg/m3 on a sidewalk in the central business district.Aim Our study aimed at establishing long term exposure of PM2.5 pollution and factors influencing concentrations.Methods We examined PM2.5 pollution in eight Planning Zones in Nairobi between September 2019 and February 2020 using Nephelometers (E-Samplers) calibrated against the Gold Standard reference method, the Beta Attenuation Monitor (BAM) 1022.Results PM2.5 pollution was found to vary in different parts of the city being highest 38.01 ug/m3 around the central business district, and lowest 12.72 ug/m3 in the southern suburbs of the city. We demonstrate that an order of magnitude rises in the relative humidity (RH) led to a decrease in the level of PM2.5 concentration by a factor of 0.14 ug/m3. An increase in temperature by 10C conversely led to an additional rise of PM2.5 concentrations by a factor of 0.49 ug/m3.Conclusions These preliminary findings suggest that meteorological factors had some effects on the diffusion mechanism of PM2.5 pollution in Nairobi. However, we are analyzing possible contribution of natural environmental conditions and socio-economic factors for a more comprehensive explanation of spatial exposure to PM2.5 pollutants among Nairobi residents.

Just How Much Do We Know About Electronic Waste: Empirical Evidence from Nairobi, Kenya

This study aimed to find out if consumers of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) in Nairobi, Kenya know about e-waste and its harmful effects, the available disposable mechanisms in the country and the legal framework for managing EEE. It also explored if consumers would desire to have information on e-waste and participate or be involved in its management. Primary data was collected from 98 residents of Nairobi via the online platform - SurveyMonkey tool, because the study was done during the corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic spread and the country was enforcing social distancing measures by the World Health Organization. Data was descriptively analyzed. Results show that majority (84.2%) of the respondents understand what electronic waste is, 68.4% of the respondents know that e-waste has hazardous substances in them. 71% of respondents in the study however, indicated that they do not segregate it at source during disposal as is required by the e-waste guidelines. In the study, 73.7% of the respondents had no idea there existed any government efforts to guide or regulate its management. Most importantly, the city dwellers are willing to be involved in its management. This study, therefore, recommended that the government, through its regulatory bodies in environment, ICT and other relevant EEE regulators, to develop voluntary and mandatory legal, policies, guidelines and regulatory frameworks for managing EEE. The Government has to create proper disposal mechanisms, communicate effectively the challenges posed by inferior disposal methods and continuously engage the citizens in e-waste management activities. Proper disposal and its eventual management can be part of consumer’s daily activity.

A protracted cholera outbreak among residents in an urban setting, Nairobi county, Kenya, 2015.

Introductionin 2015, a cholera outbreak was confirmed in Nairobi county, Kenya, which we investigated to identify risk factors for infection and recommend control measures.Methodswe analyzed national cholera surveillance data to describe epidemiological patterns and carried out a case-control study to find reasons for the Nairobi county outbreak. Suspected cholera cases were Nairobi residents aged >2 years with acute watery diarrhea (>4 stools/≤12 hours) and illness onset 1-14 May 2015. Confirmed cases had Vibrio cholerae isolated from stool. Case-patients were frequency-matched to persons without diarrhea (1:2 by age group, residence), interviewed using standardized questionaires. Logistic regression identified factors associated with case status. Household water was analyzed for fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli.Resultsduring December 2014-June 2015, 4,218 cholera cases including 282 (6.7%) confirmed cases and 79 deaths (case-fatality rate [CFR] 1.9%) were reported from 14 of 47 Kenyan counties. Nairobi county reported 781 (19.0 %) cases (attack rate, 18/100,000 persons), including 607 (78%) hospitalisations, 20 deaths (CFR 2.6%) and 55 laboratory-confirmed cases (7.0%). Seven (70%) of 10 water samples from communal water points had coliforms; one had Escherichia coli. Factors associated with cholera in Nairobi were drinking untreated water (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.3-18.8), lacking health education (aOR 2.4, CI 1.1-7.9) and eating food outside home (aOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-5.7).Conclusionwe recommend safe water, health education, avoiding eating foods prepared outside home and improved sanitation in Nairobi county. Adherence to these practices could have prevented this protacted cholera outbreak.

Leaving no one behind? Analysis of trends in access to water and sanitation services in the slum areas of Nairobi, 2003–2015

Abstract Service provision backlogs in access to improved water and sanitation services remain a key barrier to the health and well-being of people living in Nairobi's slum areas. In this paper, we use quantitative data from the Nairobi Urban Health and Demographic Surveillance System to analyze the extent to which residents of Nairobi's slum areas have been able to access improved water and sanitation services from 2003 to 2015. This trend analysis reveals a slow but observable increase in access to improved sanitation facilities and garbage disposal services, while access to improved sources of water decreased. We conclude that the best scenario is the one in which all the three indicators have significantly improved during the period under consideration rather than having only some of them improving, while the others stagnate or decline. We recommend that Nairobi City Council and sector development partners refocus their attention towards increasing access to improved water and sanitation services in the urban low-income areas because lack of access to these essential services may expose people to waterborne diseases. It also threatens to leave behind a substantial number of people as the country moves towards the attainment of the water and sanitation-related sustainable development goals.

English

As result of compounding factors related to environmental, social, economic and political pressures, it is feared that the impacts of climate change and variability may overwhelm resilience of urban systems in developing countries if adaptation and mitigation strategies are not strengthened. Understanding how the urban residents perceive and respond to climate change is necessary for the purpose of formulating informed adaptation and mitigation strategies. This study was designed to assess the level of awareness, knowledge, attitude and mitigation preferences among residents of Nairobi City County. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted where 404 households were selected through random sampling from different administrative villages in Nairobi city. Though majority of the respondents had heard about climate change before, a knowledge gap in understanding specific issues of climate change in cities was evident. Study respondents had a greater understanding of climate change signs and effects that are directly related to weather patterns such as changes in temperatures and rainfall patterns compared to the more complex and indirect environmental issues related to climate change in cities. A similar behavior was observed in the choice and preference for long term climate management strategies. Educational status emerged as top social demographic attribute that influenced respondents’ level of awareness, knowledge, worry and concern towards climate change in cities. In order to build resilience to climate change effects for urban communities, these critical factors must be considered when developing or reviewing policies and programs, and the study suggests for more public awareness programs to boost understanding of these factors among residents of Nairobi. Key words: Climate change, cross-sectional survey, knowledge, mitigation, preferences and resilience.

Security Urbanism and the Counterterror State in Kenya

This article offers a theoretical and ethnographic analysis of what I am calling ‘security urbanism’, examining the spatial practices of the Kenyan security state and the urban impacts of the War on Terror in Nairobi. From counterterror policing to forced disappearances, demolitions, military operations and the proliferation of checkpoints and security searches, the War on Terror has left its indelible material and affective impacts in Kenya. Counterterrorist policing operations such Operation Usalama Watch have left many marginalized Nairobi residents fearful and traumatized. Meanwhile, in rich suburbs, the twin specters of terrorism and crime fuse in the imaginations and gated compounds of the affluent. This article analyzes the urban, state and spatial transformations produced by the War on Terror across several geographical scales (from the highly local to the neighborhood and the national). In a first section, I focus on the ‘state spatial strategies’ of counterterrorism and analyze the emergence of a ‘counterterror state’ in Kenya. In a second section, I draw on several ethnographic vignettes to demonstrate how urban residents internalize and perform fears, fantasies and politics thoroughly saturated by the imaginaries of the War on Terror. Ultimately, I argue that Nairobi's security urbanism is the material articulation of War on Terror at the scale of the city, produced through the confluence of state strategies and everyday practices of securitized urban subjects. But how stable is the new hegemony of security in the country?

Modeling conversion of Television advertisement for Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) – (&lt;i&gt;Viewer-to-Buyer Conversion)&lt;/i&gt;

There are currently more than 107 TV stations in Kenya (with just over 10 free to air dominating the market), a number that has been growing exponentially since 2001. Further, more than 80% of the country’s population has access to a television. Driven by these two factors and the growing economy, advertising revenue for broadcasters has grown threefold from $107 million in 2007 to $359 million in 2013. With all this money being invested into TV advertising by companies, there has been a limited availability and exposure to tools for measuring the return of such huge investments for Ad spots. Research companies have developed tools to test ads and define the qualities of good advertisement, but none has zeroed down on estimating the conversion rates of those exposed to advertisement; the probability of audiences being converted to buyers of the advertised product. With a special focus on Fast moving consumer goods, a generalized linear model is obtained to estimate the probability of conversion from “viewers” to “buyers” for those that have been exposed to a particular TV advertisement. Data for 120 residents of Nairobi is collected. Demographic characteristics, social economic status, exposure, purchase habits and motivators data are collected. A multinomial logistic model was constructed using this data, with the response being a three-level multinomial variable – “Will buy”, “Will consider buying” and “Will not buy”. Six variables significantly influence the conversion of Television ad viewer to buyers – Gender, income/social class, Level of education, total time spent watching TV in a day, main television interest and most important feature of an advertisement. The model was validated by (a) significant test of the overall model, (b) tests of regression coefficients, (c) goodness-of-fit measures, & (d) validation of predicted probabilities. Three methodological issues were highlighted in the discussion: (1) the use of odds ratio, (2) the Hosmer and Lemeshow test extended to multinomial logistic models, and (3) the missing data problem. Believability and relatability of a television advertisement increase the probability of conversion by three times compared to the length/precision aspect. People with either primary or secondary education are also 3 times more likely to be converted compared to those with tertiary education.

Bridging the digital divide among low income urban communities. Leveraging use of Community Technology Centers

To fully leverage the availability of the internet services in Kenya, all the citizens need to be able to access and use the internet and related services. The availability of 4G networks, cyber cafés and fiber connectivity in most residential areas of Nairobi has allowed many Nairobi residents to be part of its information-based society. But, as with the other existing social inequalities in Nairobi, many people residing in the city’s low-income areas lack access to the internet. This has a negative impact on the residents’ prospects as the governments and businesses are increasingly delivering their services online. Using a pre-tested questionnaire, data were collected from five hundred and fifty respondents on their internet access and digital literacy skills among the residents of the Mathare Slum. From the survey, the study found existence of limited digital literacy skills and lack of internet access among the residents of the Mathare Slum. The study then used the Community Technology Centers (CTCs) intervention approach to narrowing the digital divide by setting up a CTC in the Mathare Slum to offer free community internet access and digital literacy skills training. Eight cohorts, each of eighteen residents, were offered free digital literacy training for five weeks and free unlimited internet access for four months. The study then evaluated the trainees’ internet usage continuance intentions after four months of continued use of the internet at the CTC. The results indicate that perceived enjoyment, perceived usefulness, internet self-efficacy, and confirmation of expectations all significantly influence the participants’ satisfaction with use of the internet. The results also show that continuance intentions of the participants from low income household to continue using internet beyond the CTC can be predicted by perceived service cost, satisfaction, internet self-efficacy and perceived usefulness. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of CTCs as an intervention approach and a replicable model that can be used to bridge the urban digital divide among low income urban communities for the development of an all-inclusive information-based society. Implications and recommendations for policy, practice and research are provided.

A World-Class City-Region? Envisioning the Nairobi of 2030

A jaundiced optimism has surfaced in the past few years for a number of cities across the African continent. There is optimism for the moment in cities from Dakar to Nairobi, Cairo to Cape Town, Marrakesh to Maputo, and many urban spaces in between, due to positive economic growth and emergence of relative political stability. The optimism is jaundiced from decades of experience with previous moments of optimism overrun by economic crises and political upheaval. This article will examine this mixed outlook on the future for cities in Africa through a case study of Nairobi, and in particular its Nairobi Metro 2030 vision plan for the city and its surrounding counties. Kenya’s efforts to reimagine Nairobi as a “world-class city-region” by 2030 include ambitious yet tangible outcomes that are beginning to come to fruition—massive improvements to infrastructure, total transformation of the governance structure, and significant and substantive investments in commercial, industrial, and residential real estate. At the same time, the vision has a wandering eye, which keeps drifting back to the caution palpable among Nairobi residents stemming from severe inequalities, criminal violence, and political rivalries. Based on fieldwork and interviews from 2012 and policy analysis from 2012 to 2014, I argue that the Nairobi case is emblematic of the ambivalent era for urban visions blossoming across urban Africa as we move toward 2030.

Implications of Charcoal Briquette Produced by Local Communities on Livelihoods and Environment in Nairobi- Kenya

The residents of Nairobi, Kenya, use 700 tonnes of charcoal per day, producing about88 tonnes of charcoal dust that is found in most of the charcoal retailing stalls that is disposed of inwater drainage systems or in black garbage heaps. The high costs of cooking fuel results in poorhouseholds using unhealthy materials such as plastic waste. Further, poor households are opting tocook foods that take a short time to prepare irrespective of their nutritional value. This articlepresents experiences with community self-help groups producing charcoal fuel briquettes fromcharcoal dust in poorer nieghbourhoods of Nairobi for home use and sale. Households thatproduced charcoal fuel briquettes for own use and those that bought them saved 70% and 30% ofmoney spent on cooking energy respectively. The charcoal fuel briquettes have been found to beenvironmentally beneficial since they produce less smoke and increase total cooking energy bymore than 15%, thereby saving an equivalent volume of trees that would be cut down for charcoal.Charcoal briquette production is a viable opportunity for good quality and affordable cooking fuel.Bioenergy and waste management initiatives should promote recovery of organic by-products forcharcoal briquette production.

Application of destination choice model: Factors influencing domestic tourists destination choice among residents of Nairobi, Kenya

The objective of this study was to assess the status of Kenya's tourist destinations and the factors that determine their choices among the residents of Nairobi. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey design that covered 118 respondents randomly selected from adult patrons at an up-market shopping mall in Nairobi. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. The Hypotheses were tested using chi-squares and Pearson Product–Moment Correlation at 95% confidence level. The results indicated that tourism in Kenya is almost exclusively centred on the south coast beaches and a handful of game reserves or national parks. The Kenya's domestic tourist market considered individual trait factors as being more significant in determining the choice of a holiday destination than the environmental factors. The findings further indicated that the factors that motivated Nairobi residents in the choice of domestic tourism destination in rank order include: knowledge and adventure; economic concerns; personal safety; destination information; travel arrangement; destination features; family and friends; leisure and relaxation; religious and cultural considerations and travel bragging. Statistical tests failed to reject the hypothesis that majority of Kenya's domestic tourist attraction areas do not fall within the evoked set of the destination choice model.