Urban management, the provision of public services and intra-urban differentials in Nairobi

The paper analyses the city of Nairobi in order to illustrate the relationship between urban management and the unequal pattern of provision of urban services. It starts by presenting a conceptual framework, which focuses on the current widespread trend of liberalisation of the provision of (urban) services and the withdrawal of the government; highlighting problems connected with a pluralistic system of provision. The conceptual discussion is then contrasted with empirical data from selected services in Nairobi, namely health care, water, sewerage and garbage collection. The paper concludes by comparing performances, and discussing shortfalls of an approach to urban service provision which has had extensive international support.