Musyimi Mbathi on Why the Future Is Urban

In this episode of Africa Knows, we speak with Dr. Musyimi Mbathi, Senior Lecturer in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Nairobi.Drawing on over 20 years of experience across academia, government and the United Nations, Dr. Mbathi reflects on what it means to train the next generation of urban planners.He discusses the importance of exposing students to real-world urban complexities, grounding research in society’s needs, and embracing participatory approaches to planning.From informality and resilience to governance and economic development, this conversation explores why the future is urban, and why African cities need planners who are ready for it.