Nairobi has developed a western-style of urbanism consisting of residential neighbourhoods, periurban zones and suburbs. However, in spite of continued attempts by the authorities to institutionalise what they refer to as the informal sector, which predominates around the country, post-its, which are the product of ingenuity and a desire to survive, continue to crop up in different parts of the city.
In the centre of one of the city’s residential zones, a lot of people see flowers and plants in the street. As we go deeper into this marshy area, we come across more post-its hidden among the plants and bamboo canes which, through economic magnetism, have spread themselves like parasites across these impromptu nurseries. Potters. A mechanics’ workshop. Restaurants. One on top of the other, these post-its create their own particular economic and social framework, a network, a post-it collective.
Land set aside for public use was distributed under the despotic regime of Daniel Arap Moi. Today, three businesses are claiming their right to ownership of different parts of the land where these gardeners, who provide employment for over 800 people, have established themselves. The case seems to have reached an impasse in the courts with an endless series of appeals and counterappeals. There are plans for an extension of a Presbyterian church, a new shopping centre and large apartment complex. With the tacit consent of the authorities these businesses went in one night and destroyed everything in their path, causing major damage to the nurseries.