| dc.description.abstract | The study examines the development problems
facing small urban centres with view of identifying
the critical problems that hinder spatial development.
The study further analyses the factors that constitute
constraints to development that must be overcome before
further development can be initiated.
Limuru, a case study and four other small urban
, centres in Kenya are used for illustrative purposes.
The study has revealed that, the small urban
centres In Kenya are faced with development problems.
These are: inadequate provision of infrastructural
facilities and service; problems related to the legal
status of land and inadequacy of skilled personnel
and resources. These problems lead to environmental
pollution, overcrowding, speculation in and subdivision
of ,I Q..l,B construction of sub-standard housing
lack of enforcement and policing machinery and little
progress in project implementation.
The problems are due to historical, general
urbanization trend, physical siting, economical and
social factors.
In order to achieve better co-ordination of
development .and hence greater development of the smalI
urban centres, a number of proposals have been
recommended for both short and long terms. Review of
housing standards and by-laws and provision of
enforcement and policing machinery is short term
proposal that can be effectively implemented by the
local authorities with both manpower and financial
assistance from the Central Government.
The Government's long-term objective of providing
infrastructural facilities and service at convenient
nodal points should continue unabated. Since
money and designs are ready in Limuru, implementation
should be immediate.
Review of property taxes, planning standards
and legislation governing the control and use of land
are long-term proposals which, however, should b expedited and seriously considered. | en |
