Keywords:  Nairobi, Kenya,Human Settlement, Urban Environment, Infrastructure, Waste Disposal, Security of Tenure, Living Conditions, Modernization, Civic Functioning.

Abstract:  Hirst, assisted by Lamba's enabling research re-tells the history of Nairobi's urban development. This is not a narration of the "wild west" pioneering age, often described to be Nairobi's history. Rather, though illustration, Hirst documents the tale of the city's residents continued struggle for the human right to live in an urban environment with security of tenure, safe and sufficient water supplies, healthy waste disposal and adequate living conditions. The author successfully uses the personalities of different characters to illustrate the diverse interests influencing the outcome of Nairobi's environment. The book emphasizes the importance of citizen's participation in shaping of their communities.