Building Cities That Work for Everyone: Why Social Equity Matters in Urban Development

by Benard Ojwaya

Cities are more than just buildings and roads, they're places where people live, work, and connect. And for a city to truly thrive, it must be built around its most valuable asset: People. In today’s competitive urban landscape, cities must offer opportunity, comfort, and fairness to attract and retain talent. This is where social equity comes in - ensuring everyone has a fair chance to succeed, regardless of background or income.

So how do we strategically and practically engrave social equity into the planning and development of our cities.

How We Structure Our Cities Matters. 

The layout of a city determines how people live, work, and access services, and that shapes their daily lives. In many developing cities, rapid growth has led to uneven development. Some neighborhoods thrive, while others struggle. Social differentiation is thus accompanied by enlarged disparities.

Commutation, is a combined sum of ‘out-of-pocket costs’ and ‘time cost’. Long commutes from distant suburbs to city or business centers cost time and money, reducing quality of life. Solutions like building secondary business districts, improving road and communication networks, and supporting remote work can help bridge these gaps.

Housing and Wealth Creation.

Real estate is more than property; it’s a pathway to wealth. Yet, as real estate is a capital-intensive investment, traditional development models often favor large or institutional investors, leaving everyday citizens behind.  Inclusive investment models like crowdfunding, community investment funds, collective investment schemes / vehicles and cooperative ownership can open doors for more people to participate in the market. This strengthens communities and builds investor confidence.

Role of Public Services and Amenities.

In Kenya, county governments manage local services like water, parks, and early education, while the national government handles broader infrastructure development and operational control.  When services are unevenly distributed, people move to areas with better opportunities. This movement is a form of economic voting - people choose places that offer better value for their time and money. Developers and policymakers should invest in quality public amenities to attract and retain residents.

Quality of Life: The Ultimate Measure.

Quality of life goes beyond income - it’s about how people feel in their environment. Clean air, safe streets, good schools, and beautiful public spaces make cities more livable. Investors are increasingly aware that real estate must support sustainability and well-being. Poorly planned developments can harm the environment and drive away buyers, while responsible projects can “do well while doing good.”

Why Social Equity Makes Good Investment Sense.

Investing in socially equitable urban development isn’t just the right thing to do - it’s smart business. Cities that prioritize inclusivity and sustainability attract more people, which drives demand and opportunity. Here’s how social equity translates into investment benefits:

• Stronger Market Demand: Developments with diversified income-range of products and good amenities appeal to a wider audience, increasing occupancy and reducing risk.

• Resilient Returns: Inclusive communities are more stable during economic downturns, providing consistent returns.

• Enhanced Brand Value: Developers who champion, social equity build trust and open doors to partnerships and funding.

• Policy Support: Governments offer incentives for projects aligned with social equity goals.

• Future-Proofing Assets: Sustainable and inclusive properties retain value and attract premium buyers.

In short, doing good is good business.

Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility.

Urban development is about people. As developers, investors, and policymakers, we share a responsibility to build cities that are inclusive, sustainable, and equitable. Whether through smarter planning, inclusive financing, or better public services, the goal is the same: create cities where everyone has a chance to thrive.