Using Gis to Assess Sustainability of Urban Development in Kenya’s Emerging Cities: Case Study of Nakuru City

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the sustainability of urban development in Nakuru as one of Kenya’s emerging cities. The main criteria and sub-criteria used as indicators of Suitability of Urban Development (SUD) were identified through literature review. They were then subjected to expert opinion by use of questionnaires and priorities and weights identified through Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). There was a 61.9% consensus among all the experts. Weighted overlay analysis (WOA) was used to produce the final SUD map of Nakuru city. From the results; 0.9% of the study area was regarded as being very highly sustainable, 13. % highly sustainable, 28.2% moderately sustainable, 31% low sustainable and 26.6% very low sustainable. The central business district of Nakuru City was generally considered highly sustainable, but the periphery of the city was identified as still needing improvement for it to be considered to have sustainable urban development especially with the new city status.