Sunset Over Nairobi with Naipolitans’, Nov. 8 2013 @ Viewing Dock – Kenyatta International Conference Centre

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Date: Friday November 8, 2013
Venue: Viewing Dock – Kenyatta International Conference Centre
Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Costs:
Kenyan citizens: 150/=
Residents: 200/=
Non-residents: 400/=

Naipolitans: Urban Enthusiasts Getting Together v15

For our last forum of 2013, join us as we go up to the top of the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) and watch the sun set over our beautiful Nairobi.

Located at the heart of the Central Business District, the KICC is the single most recognized landmark of Nairobi’s skyline. Completed in 1974, the 28-storey building stands at a height of 105 metres. It succeeded the Hilton Nairobi as the tallest building in Kenya and held that position for 26 years before Teleposta Tower surpassed it in 2000 at 120 metres. KICC’s light teracotta façade and use of simple solid shapes and cuboids is intended to reflect traditional African architecture. Some would say the silhouette of this building has become the de facto symbol of Nairobi.

We encourage you to arrive at 5.30 pm (note the Centre closes entry at 6pm). We will be allowed to stay until 6.30 pm.

Bring your cameras, pencils and sketchbooks. See you there!

The necessary legalese: Naipolitans does not take responsibility for any mishaps that may occur during this visit.

Conversation: Being a Hero in Nairobi’s Urban Setting, Oct. 11 2013 @ Alliance

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Date: October 11, 2013
Venue: 3rd Floor, Alliance Française
Time: 6-8 pm (event starts 6.30pm sharp)

Being a Hero in Nairobi’s Urban Setting
On October 20, we celebrate Mashujaa day, a time to commemorate all the men and women who fought for Kenya’s independence. In keeping with this theme, our conversation this Friday will be on the topic of heroes.

Mashujaa = those of courage.

This courage is used towards creating a positive impact, however small, so as to improve the lives of people in society.

Join this conversation on Friday to explore the idea of being a “hero” in Nairobi’s urban setting.

Naipolitans: Conversations touching on Urbane Space, May 10 2013 @ Alliance

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An Olympian’s Solution: From the Unwalkable Walking City and other Paradoxes, to a Healthier and Safer Nairobi

Date & Time: Friday May 10, 2013, 6.00-8.00pm (event starts 6.30pm sharp)
Venue: 3rd Floor, Alliance Française

This month’s conversation will be throwing a spotlight on the potential contribution of Nairobi residents to create healthier and safer urban spaces.

Healthier Cities
Douglas Wakiihuri will share his experiences as an Olympian, retired competitive runner and current road runner. He will speak to the challenges that the ever evolving urban environment impose on his running activities and the lifestyles of urban residents. Douglas runs the Sotokoto Marathon, mentors a group of young runners (children) in Kibera and encourages city dwellers to lead active lives. Herein lies the challenge, he’s discovered; it’s neither “healthy” nor safe to lead an active life in the city.

Paradoxes exist from the lack of appropriate urban infrastructure (e.g. encouraging walking in an unwalkable city) and facilities (Kenya produces elite runners in spite of the lack of locally accessible training facilities as Wakiihuri points out) to the lack of green spaces. Nairobi’s setup tends to encourage a sedentary or vehicle dependent lifestyle.

Safer Cities
Safety, as tragically revealed during the recent events at the Boston Marathon, is also key. In addition to personal safety which is hits closer to home, pedestrian safety, air quality and easily accessible paths are all legitimate concerns for the would be walker, jogger or runner. To that end, Juma Assiago from UN Habitat’s Safer Cities program will engage participants in an exchange about the development of safety measures at city level.

For more info visit: http://naipolitans.tumblr.com/

Discourse: Experiencing Nairobi across 12 Neighborhoods, Apr. 12 2013 @ Alliance Francaise

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Date: Friday April 12, 2013
Venue: 3rd Floor, Alliance Française, Utalii Lane
Time: 6-8 pm (event starts 6.30pm sharp)
RSVP: naipolitans@gmail.com

What makes Nairobi, Nairobi? This question will be the focus of this month’s conversation as Joy Mboya and Judy Ogana of the GoDown Arts Centre tell us about the Centre’s Nairobi Project which takes the question of identity and belonging in the city to the neighbourhood level.
The project will support the 12 neighbourhood zones of Nairobi explore questions such as: Who are we at a neighborhood level? What do we care about? And what elements make my neighborhood feel like a community? Collectively, these neighbourhoods will be responding to the question “Nai ni Who?”

Come hear more about this project and take part in a conversation that delves into the question of what makes up Nairobi’s identity and how best to showcase these elements.

In what zone is your neighbourhood?
Zone 1: Central Business District
Zone 2: GoDown, Railway, Nairobi West, South B/C, Mukuru
Zone 3: Kamkunji, Shauri Moyo, Kaloleni, Ofafa Jericho
Zone 4: Buruburu, Kariobangi South, Umoja, Tena, Doonholm
Zone 5: Pumwani, Eastleigh, Pangani, Kariakor, Ziwani, Starehe
Zone 6: Mathare, Koch, Dandora, Kariobangi North, Babadogo
Zone 7: Muthaiga, Karura Forest, Gigiri
Zone 8: Ngara, Parklands
Zone 9: Lavington, Kileleshwa, Spring Valley, Kawangware-Kangemi, Dago-Junction
Zone 10: Kilimani, Upper Hill, Ngumo, Golf Course
Zone 11: Kibera, Ngei, Kenyatta Market, Dam
Zone 12: Karen, Lang’ata, Nairobi National Park