| dc.description.abstract | In Kenya; like in many other developing countries
the growth centre strategy has been adopted to foster
development,with particular emphasis on the rural
sector. The principle underlying the policy is the
belief that using the growth centre strategy, the
distribution of national resources is made efficient
and more equitable. The development of the rural
areas is thus kept abreast with the more rapid
development of the urban areas. The overall
development of the country could be realized through
the inter-dependence between the two Rural and urban)
sectors; Doth forming integral parts of the national
monetary economy.
The development of growth centres faces various
setbacks, most of which stem from urbanization.
Difficulties such as inadequate sanitary conditions,
uncontrolled settlements, and general maladministration
of land use are thus caused. Other problems relate
to the unconducive physical environment around the
centre and insufficiency of funds for general and \
physical development of the upcoming urban places.
The field survey was conducted to identify
factors that do or may inhibit Chuka from performing
the functions of a growth centre viz. population
interception; incubator of (small scale) industry,
market for local produce, distribution point for
farm inputs and tapping of unexploited development
potential of the surrounding areas. For this
purpose, investigations were launched 0:1 the physical,
socio-economic, and infrastructural conditions of
both the town and its hinterland.
It is found that Chuka is not so far "eligible"
growth centre status. Although it is favored
by its administrative potential, high agricultural
potential of its hinterland, accessibility and
proximity to population concentration, it fails In
many other aspects. The town has, a weak economic
base, a result of lack of diversified economy and
employment, It also heavily lacks in infrastructural
provision, besides having a weak linkage with its'
hinterland. In view of these (among many) short comings, ,
Chuka is not a viable growth centre for the present
and within the near future. It thus will have to
remain an urban service centre until it attains growth
centre attributes.
Recommendations have been made that are expected
to improve the conditions and for the development of
the town to the desired standards. Such measures as
avoiding difficult areas (e.g. steep slopes and
marshes) in the future development, provision of
adequate infrastructure and social amenities have been
proposed. Promotion of the economic base of the
town and the hinterland has also been suggested.
Finally, proposals have been made to serve as
a guide to the future planning of the town
in a long term perspective but programmed in short
term phases............................................... | en_US |
