Effect of Public Open Spaces on Quality of Urban Life in Shauri Moyo, Nairobi City County

Abstract

This paper has explored the relationship between the quality of life (QoL) of Shauri Moyo, Nairobi residents, and the significant characteristics of urban community parks, including spatial, social opportunities, safety and security, governance and policy, and economic activities. Using a mixed-methods approach with questionnaires, observations, and stakeholder interviews, the study analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and correlation and regression analyses. Results indicated that the five attributes of the park were significantly, but weakly, positively correlated with QoL and, when combined, accounted for 76% of the variance in perceived quality of life. The qualitative findings demonstrated the importance of safety, accessibility, maintenance, and social interaction in shaping residents’ experiences in the park. The paper concludes that individual park characteristics might be insignificant. Still, when combined, they can produce significant positive effects on urban well-being, so holistic, inclusive, and evidence-based approaches to urban park planning and management should be taken as a whole.