| dc.description.abstract | This study set out to examine urbanization in
the Western Provinces of Kenya by examining the
impact of demographic and socio-economic factors on
the urban settlements in the region. The main area
of the study was defined as the examination of the
physical structures of the settlements in terms of
the amount and pattern of land use as well as the
structure of land values in the se-ttlements . The
basic hypothesis is that the physical structure of
the city and its changing pattern are functions of
the socio-economic factors affecting it. It is
further post uLat.ed that policy actions in the form of
plar~ing and other controls play a crucial role in
determining the degree of relationship between the
socia-economic circumstances of set-tlements and their
emerging physical structures. The aim of the study,
therefore, is to attempt to reveal areas where fresh
policy actions might be required or where changes in
current policy directions might be necessary.
In chapter 2 some of the major related
theoretical orientations and case studies are
reviewed. First the theories are examined in the
context of Western cities and then on the basis of
selected case studies of non-Western cities with
particular emphasis on African cities. Finally the
chapter briefly reviews the origin and development
of urbanization in Kenya.
Chapter 3 sets out the analytical framework of
the study. First, the basis for selecting the study
settlements is described and ten selected settlements
are identified on the basis set out. Then, the
parameters for measurement and analysis are also
described. The chapter finally sets out the scope and
limitations of the study and as well points out the
relationship between the analytical frarr.ework
described and threshold analysis which is gaining
growing acceptance in planning circles.
Chapter 4 presents an overview of the physical,
social and economic bases of Western Kenya as a
prelude to the specific examination of the selected
centres in the following chapters.
In chapter 5 the socio-economic influences which
have affected the selected are examined. The origins
and function of the individual settlements are
examined and their demographic compositions and
employment structures are also analysed on the basis
of the framework described in chapter 3. The analysis
makes it possible to compare the trends among the
settlements and also to coffiparethe results obtained
with the regional and national figures. A strong
correlation was identified between the economic and
demographic tre~ds in the settlements.
In chapter 6 the physical structures of the
settlements are examined in general on the basis of
the spatial distribution of land uses, the evolution
of the spatial structures, space allocation among the
various land use categories and the structure of
land values. On the basis of statistical evidence
the chapter concludes that the various aspects of the
physical structures of the settlements are reflections
of the socio-economic forces that generate them. It
is also observed that some of the conventional
theories about urban growth are not applicable to the
settlements due to the fact that the socia-economic
assumptions that underlie these theories do not
obtain in these. settlements.
The concluding chapter reiterated the major
findings with some recommendations. Regarding the
urban areas it is noted that the conventional urban
growth models are applicable only within limits due
to the socio-economic conditions within which they
developed. It is further noted that the preserrc
planning policies do not appear to be sufficieutly
cognizant of the current needs in these settlements.
It is, therefore I recommended that a rev Lew and
realignment of planning policies is necessary in
order to deal with the immediate needs in the
settlements as well as their peri-urban areas. In
respect of-the region the chapter notes the lack of
integration between the economic and physical planning
policies. In view of the fact that the economic base
of the region cannot a.tthe moment support massive
urban development in the region it suggests that a
policy of regional concentration of urban development
should be adopted at this initial stage. It
concludes by recommending the development of Kisumu
as a Regional Primate City. | en |
