The Urban Planner
Urban planners are professionals who are involved in the design, development, and management of urban areas. They aim to create liveable, sustainable, and resilient cities that meet the needs and aspirations of the people. Urban planners work on various aspects of urban planning, such as land use, transportation, housing, environment, social services, economic development, and governance.
Roles of Urban Planners in Kenya
Urban planners in Kenya perform various roles depending on their specialization and context. Some of the common roles are:
Urban development planning and urban design:
Urban planners create plans and policies for the physical development of urban areas, such as master plans, local plans, zoning plans, urban renewal plans, etc. They also design urban spaces and elements, such as streetscapes, public spaces, buildings, infrastructure, etc.
Urban development control:
Urban planners regulate and monitor the implementation of urban development plans and policies. They ensure compliance with planning standards and regulations, issue development permits and approvals, conduct site inspections and enforcement actions, etc.
Urban development research and statistics:
urban planners collect and analyze data and information related to urban issues and trends. They conduct surveys, studies, assessments, evaluations, etc. They also provide evidence-based advice and recommendations for planning decisions and interventions.
Planning compliance and enforcement:
Urban planners ensure that planning laws and regulations are followed by developers and other stakeholders. They investigate complaints and violations of planning rules, issue notices and orders, impose penalties and sanctions, etc.
Urban policy and research:
urban planners formulate and review policies and strategies for urban development at different levels of governance. They also conduct research on emerging urban challenges and opportunities, such as climate change, urbanization, informality, etc.
Housing Development:
Urban planners plan and facilitate the provision of adequate and affordable housing for different segments of the population. They design housing schemes and projects, coordinate with housing developers and financiers, promote alternative housing models, address housing problems such as slums, etc.
Estates management:
Urban planners manage public lands and properties owned or leased by the government or other agencies. They oversee the maintenance, valuation, leasing, disposal, etc. of these assets.
Building design and implementation services:
urban planners design and supervise the construction of public buildings and facilities, such as schools, hospitals, offices, etc. They ensure that these buildings meet the functional and aesthetic requirements of the users and the environment.
Urban planners are essential professionals in the built environment sector in Kenya. They play various roles in shaping and managing urban areas for the benefit of current and future generations. However, in Kenya, urban planners are often "jacks of all trades." This is because the roles and responsibilities of built environment professionals in the country are often not well defined. As a result, urban planners are often called upon to perform duties that are outside their area of expertise. The lack of clear roles and responsibilities for the built environment profession is a cause for concern. It is imperative that the Kenyan government and other stakeholders work towards addressing this issue in order to ensure that the infrastructure in the country meets the required standards.