[Photo/courtesy]Urbanisation comes with intricate challenges that we cannot downplay. There are cross-cutting dynamics linked to demographics which make urban planning a truly Herculean task.For economies unable to grow at par with population rate, the consequences can be dire with socio-economical distortions. This is reflected in unplanned and informal settlements which are the bane of our cities and towns.Kenyans seeking opportunities or fleeing rural poverty are usually predisposed to head to urban centres, which in reality, cannot accommodate them since facilities are overstretched.But since they must explore possibilities, they have to find roof over the head and other basic amenities. Tragedies like houses collapsing as happened on Monday in Embakasi area when a condemned house caved in, shanties constructed under power lines or along railway lines graphically explain this plight.It’s an overwhelming situation. We have massive housing deficit that requires upwards of 200,000 housing units every year. Can we afford it? No. However, what is galling is that we are saddled by weak laws and institutions, resources shortfall notwithstanding.For instance, who in City Hall approved design of the collapsed structure? Did the contractor follow required stipulations for construction? What is the use of laws and regulations if nobody follows them? In sum, our policing or enforcement instruments are too blunt, too compromised or tragically inappropriate.And once the National Construction Authority found during an audit that the structure was unfit for habitation why was it not immediately brought down? Assuming there was an injunctive order following litigation prohibiting pulling down the condemned structure, would such orders be issued in some kind of vacuum?Are the courts satisfied that directives serve the larger interests of, and welfare of man? It appears sometimes we, as a country, are collectively in a hole yet continue digging.A dubious and false sense of entitlement, poverty and impunity have combined to form a deadly cocktail that has poisoned our value system and fidelity to order and even common sense. Where on earth would one find imperiled individual literally being dragged screaming from collapsing building?True, our law enforcers have obligation to underwrite security but why are some people unable to appreciate danger even to themselves? Why this obsession with shooting ourselves on the foot?Our liberal Constitution is acclaimed for being progressive and accommodative. However, we must never forget that rights come with obligations and responsibilities. Individual rights should never override collective well-being.

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