Have you ever looked at a road that leads nowhere, a park built in the wrong spot, or a housing estate with no access to public transport, and thought, Who planned this? Well, someone probably did… or didn’t. That’s where urban planning steps in.
Urban planning isn’t just a bureaucratic buzzword, it’s the blueprint for how we live, move, work, and play. It’s the invisible hand shaping your daily experience, from the traffic you sit in to the parks your kids play in. Let’s unpack what urban planning really means, what urban planners do, and why you, yes you, should care.
What Is Urban Planning, Really?
Urban planning is the science (and art) of deciding how land is used and how towns and cities grow. It covers:
- Where people live, shop, and work
- How they get around (roads, rail, sidewalks, bike paths)
- Where schools, parks, hospitals, and businesses are built
- How we prepare for climate change, disasters, and population growth
In short, it’s the master puzzle piece that ensures our cities are liveable, equitable, and sustainable, not just today, but 20, 30, 50 years from now.
Without good planning, cities become chaotic, costly, and unequal. With good planning, we build communities that are resilient, connected, and thriving.
What Makes a City Resilient?
Modern urban planning is increasingly data-driven, which means we don’t guess, we measure. From traffic patterns to flood zones to housing demand, planners rely on data to make smart, future-proof decisions.
And when cities plan well, they become resilient in the best ways:
- Integrated: Agencies and systems work together (not against each other).
- Inclusive: Everyone’s voice, especially the often-ignored, is part of the process.
- Reflective: Past mistakes aren’t repeated; they’re lessons learned.
- Resourceful: In times of crisis, the city adapts and innovates.
- Robust: Infrastructure is strong, well-built, and can take a hit.
(Harrison Njoroge – Physical Planner at Property Boutique (E.A) Limited)
hnjoroge@propertyboutique.co.ke
