Green City Identity:

A Multidimensional and Multiscalar Planning Construct for Sustainable Urban Development in Nairobi

Abstract

Green City planning emphasises environmental performance, but gives less attention to how greenness is experienced, valued and sustained through ecological, spatial, experiential, social and institutional qualities. This study examined Green City Identity (GCI) in Nairobi City County across urban environments and planning scales. An embedded mixed-methods multiple-case design integrated surveys, field observations, key informant interviews, GIS analysis and document review across 12 environments. Data from 383 respondents and 16 purposively selected key informants were analysed using descriptive statistics, thematic analysis and triangulation. Six dimensions were examined, with manifestation scores ranging from 67.46% to 73.77%. Social and Community Value Identity ranked highest at 73.77%, while Ecological Identity ranked lowest at 67.46%. The findings establish GCI as a multidimensional and multiscalar planning construct that extends Green City assessment beyond ecological performance and provides an integrated basis for planning, managing and sustaining green urban environments in Nairobi, with potential relevance to other rapidly urbanising African cities.