Last Sunday, I found myself in Tassia, near Pipeline, observing the bustling streets around me. It’s hard to believe that what was once an open field is now packed with towering residential buildings. Hundreds of residents were busy buying vegetables and cereals from small shops at the ground level, watching football, or catching up on political stories of the day. Most of the people here are Kamba and Kikuyu, with a few Kisiis as well.

As I waited for a client in a tiny coffee shop called “Hartcaffee,” sipping a cup of black coffee, I found myself reflecting on my school days and the lessons on rural-to-urban migration. Back then, we were taught that people moved to cities for better job opportunities, improved living standards, and access to services. But standing there, witnessing the dense and sometimes unhygienic conditions, a different thought crossed my mind: Is there a hidden agenda behind this push for urbanization? In whose interest are we flocking to cities, leaving behind open spaces and the potential for agriculture in places like Ukambani?

Why Are We Drawn to Urban Areas?

Let’s take a closer look at what urbanization has meant in places like Tassia and Pipeline. The living conditions here are crowded and often unhygienic. Many families are squeezed into small spaces, in stark contrast to the ample space available back in rural areas. Yet, we’ve moved here in pursuit of what we believe to be “better” living conditions. Here are three potential hidden agendas behind this urban shift:

1. Land and Property Owners
   Urban areas like Nairobi attract people from all walks of life, creating high demand for housing and land. Landlords and property developers, who often own large portions of urban land, benefit immensely as they rent out properties to those seeking city life. They profit as more people leave their rural homes and settle in these urban centers.

2. Manufacturers and Business Owners
   Urbanization has created a large pool of affordable labor, essential for manufacturing plants and service industries. Companies looking to maximize profit rely on this workforce to fuel their industries. The cost of living in urban centers often keeps wages low, benefiting business owners while placing a financial strain on workers.

3. Market for Goods and Services
   As people move to cities, their consumption patterns change. From housing and food to transportation and leisure, urban residents become steady consumers of goods and services. Businesses thrive in this ecosystem, and cities become revenue hubs for the government

Is Urbanization the Right Path?

In Ukambani, where I come from, there's ample space for both residential and agricultural purposes. Urbanization isn't always synonymous with better living. As we settle in cramped urban spaces, we may lose out on the peaceful and healthier environments available back home. Urban living comes with high expenses, pollution, and congestion, while rural areas offer potential for self-sustenance and community-driven growth.

Rethinking Urbanization

It's time to question the conventional wisdom around urban migration. As we search for opportunities, let’s consider creating these within our hometowns. With modern technology, businesses, education, and health services can flourish outside of urban areas. Imagine a Kenya where local communities thrive without the need to relocate to cities like Nairobi. Decentralized development could empower us to live healthier, happier lives close to our roots.

Urbanization might have been the path encouraged by past generations, but it’s up to us to reshape the future. Let’s recognize that our worth is not tied to city life alone; our rural areas hold immense potential

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