Why Nakuru Cannot Have Skyscrapers
A section of John Momanyi road that collapsed in June 2020 due to geological activities
Major cities struggle with a growing population that demands residential units and business complexes. To cope with these strains most cities have resulted to developing tall buildings (Skyscrapers) to cater to the rising need of these populations.
However, Nakuru the youngest city now, cannot boast of these buildings as its geographical location and other factors limit it from developing tall buildings leaving its sky space relatively unused.
According to Prof. Gilbert Obwoyere, a Landscape Ecology and Ecosystem health expert from Egerton University, Nakuru does experience seismic activities.
Prof Obwoyere adds that the Menengai crater poses a huge risk to tall structures because of the fissures that were created when it erupted years ago.
He added that the underground movement may in years to come, cause plates to drift along the Rift naming Nakuru as a possible spot that may be affected.
Owing to these factors it’s nearly impossible for Nakuru to develop structures such as Britam Tower in Nairobi which is 200m high and the 447 Meters Symbio-City in South Africa.
However, Prof. Obwoyere notes that under a geologist survey, there can be an exception for taller buildings than the recommended Five storey to be built once the grounds have been established safe to support the building weight.
He also added that with the advent of advanced technology, buildings can be developed using lighter building materials, therefore, making it possible for cities like Nakuru which are curbed by natural limitations to anchor skyscrapers in the future.
A recent report developed by a seismologist from KenGen, Cyrus Karingiti, and Kizito Opondo, and a geologist from GDC, Eng. Paul Ngugi revealed Nakuru seats on a major fault line along the Rift.
Further stating that by the virtue that Nakuru seats on unstable geological zones, it’s a continued risk as water still sips in fissures causing underground tension which does not make it favourable for constructions with a lot of weight.