Open public spaces are an integral part in sustainable development by enhancing the quality of life through human interaction. The social value that emanates from this interaction within the spaces has been greatly undermined by the economic value of the developments within the country in the recent past. The introductory part of this paper seeks to define public spaces, their value and importance to sustainable real estate. It also attempts to explain the extent to which these spaces have been undermined and the under lying causes for this. The paper further seeks to investigate the conservation techniques applied on the already existent open public spaces in Kenya.

The paper presents an analysis of real estate developments in different parts of the city of Nairobi, Kenya. The essence of the analysis is to give a clear depiction of the extent to which public and private developers have incorporated open public spaces in their developments. The paper analyses the legal framework governing the allocation of open public spaces in developments within the country. In addition, it seeks to analyse best use practices in the world over and how this can be replicated in Kenya.

The paper concludes by making recommendations on how to incorporate open public spaces in real estate developments and their appropriate conservation methods.