| dc.description.abstract | Transport system as an essential land use activity has brought many changes on the other land uses and
values. One of this has been the growth and development of human settlements. Initial scattered human
settlements in most cases grow up to become urban centres often in unplanned ribbon manner which
pose challenges for rational land use planning and smooth traffic flow. This unplanned haphazard
developments form a major obstacle because they are usually not controlled. As a result of this lack of
control, they end up resulting in the mismanagement of the scarce resources available in these areas.
The study went further and examined the rationale for development of human settlements along road
. . networks in Kenya. It also examined what leads to haphazard development of the settlements and their
effect on road network. Lastly, this research examined the challenge of haphazard development of
human settlements, and market centres along road transport networks in Kenya.
The study hypothesized that road transport system influences growth and development of human
settlements along major roads. The study's objectives were thus: to identify factors which have
favoured the growth and development of Mlolongo settlement along the Nairobi - Mombasa road: to
. examine the socio - cultural and environmental effects created by the relationship between settlement
patterns and road transport network: and finally to come up with intervening policy framework which
. can be advanced to control and guide growth and, development in human settlements in relation to
transportation system in Kenya.
Sources of primary data included a field survey in which guided interviews, household questionnaires,
personal observations, photography, mapping, land use survey and key informant interviews were used
to collect relevant data.
The study found out that the weighbridge and the "Nairobi - Mombasa road were the main factors
which influenced the growth and development of Mlolongo. Other factors of significance were the
influence of Nairobi, close proximity to industrial area, cheap and flat land.
Vi
Recommendations are mainly based on the general policy guidelines to control and guide development
of human settlements along all the major transport systems in Kenya. The study recommends that a
good management plan be prepared to control and guide the growth and development of Mlolongo
center. It also recommends that human settlements should be integrated into the transport system and
lastly, it recommends that a long term physical development plan be prepared . | en |
