Strategies for local economic development.A case study of Landi Mawe neighbourhood in Nairobi city

Abstract

vABSTRACTThe purpose of the study was to investigate and identify the urban management strategies that are vital in the enhancement of local economic development. The Landi Mawe neighbourhood within Nairobi city was identified as the case study. The study was guided by the following research questions: What is the role of urban design parameters and management strategies in the management and sustenance of local economic development? What is the correlation between local economic development and the sustenance of a 24 hour economic neighbourhood? Is Landi Mawe area economically viable to be sustainably transformed and maintained as a 24-hour economic hub? The study aimed to fill this information gap by examining and establishing the following issues as pertains to the local economic development of Landi Mawe: The nature and magnitude and spatial requirements of theeconomic activities undertaken? The existing infrastructure to support the local economic development? The viability of implementing a sustainable 24-hour economy in line with Kenya’s Vision 2030.Descriptive research design was used for this study because it provided for a deductive approach which allowed the researcher to conduct reconnaissance field surveys to observe and understand the nature of Nairobi’s Landi Mawe neighbourhood both during the day and at night. Given the diversity of studying an entire neighbourhood, the study identified a spatial sample frame in which to focus the study. The spatial sample frame for the study was thus defined by the pedestrian spine running from the Bunyala/ Commercial Street roundabout across the Railway Footbridgeto the intersection of Workshop Road with Haile Sellasie Avenue. Random purposive sampling technique was adopted for the spatial sample frame. The sample size as calculated and determined from thepopulation size was 265. The sample population consisted of Landi Mawe residents, business owners, students and the general pedestrian population. The responses were thereafter coded into Statistical Package for Social Sciences.(SPSS) and analysis for quantitative and qualitative evaluation. Secondary data involved the systematic identification, location and analysis of documents containing information related to the research problem. The analysed data was then presented into tables and charts to give a clear picture of theresearch findings.The first specificobjective sought to establish the nature, magnitude and spatial requirements of the economic activities in Landi Mawe. From the various tools and observations analysed, he findings indicated that the highly ranked economic activity was retail shopping followed closely by grocery shops and eateries (restaurants and fast food kiosks). All this was attributed to the fact that majority of the respondents used the spatial frame as a pedestrian transit spine. Among the activities already available in Landi Mawe that were ranked lowest included the Numerical Machine workshop, the garage and spare parts shops and the hospital despite them occupying the largest spatial space along the spine. The second specific objective identified that the existing infrastructurewithin Landi Mawe, greatly favoured walking as the most viable mode of transit, with 93% of the respondents saying they use the Railway Footbridge almost on a daily basis. 45% of the respondents also use the pedestrian spine past 8.00pm. 87% agreed that lack of adequate visecurity infrastructure was the highest hindrance to engaging in economic activities within Land Mawe both during the day and night. 89% of the respondents acknowledged that improvement of the pedestrianand transport system would provide amost conducive environment for local economic development esp. for a 24-hour economy. The economic viability of Landi Mawe to sustain a 24-hour economy was justified by 97% of the respondents who supported its creation within Landi Mawe, whilst only 14%disagreed or remained neutral on the benefits of a 24-hour economy. It was worth noting that 41% of respondents have lived or worked in Landi Mawe for over 6 year and 57 % of them actually shop in the neighbourhood for their commodities. Though only 39% agreed that nigh shopping suited their consumer lifestyle, 89% agreed that a 24-hour economy would create job opportunities. Majority at 89% agreed that a 24-hur economy would improve the pedestrian transport system and experience, However all the respondents agreed this was only viable if appropriate infrastructure was put in place to guarantee adequate security all through for pedestrians, shoppers, business owners as well as the Lani Mawe residents. The proposed strategies for local economic developmentthat the respondents ranked highly included the expansion of the Railway Footbridge to enhance pedestrian traffic, the introduction of Closed circuit Television (CCTV), lighting and street furniture along the spine. The conversion of the estate into an Small & Micro Enterprise (SME) business hub and a student zone with hostels and an open recreational park and public square followed closely as top strategies in that order. Renewal of the estate to a more modern residential neighbourhood, the inclusion of a vehicular thoroughfare and the introduction of offices blocks were all ranked poorly with the with the introduction of a bus transit hub being the least preferred strategy To address the challenge of local economic development and sustainability of a 24-hour economy, the study recommends theneed for increased support in strategies that addresses the mobility and infrastructure concerns facing pedestrians, businesses and consumers both residents and those in transit. This can be attained through the expansion, improvement and maintenance of a safe and vibrant pedestrian friendly street spine by introducing appropriate infrastructure that will improve the pedestrian experience as well as accommodate more economic activities tailored to meet the needs of the pedestrian population without compromising the needs and security of the residents within that neighbourhood. The greening of the entire spineas well as designing for cyclists and persons with disabilities will also enhance the sustainability of the 24-hour economy as well as enhance the overall pedestrian experience. It is this improved pedestrian experience that will enable business along the spine to thrive and create the impetus for increased and diverse economic activities within the entire neighbourhood which will then spur the local economic growth and development upwards.