A Study of the Interdependence and Development Potentials of the Main Towns in Western Province, With Special Reference to Kakamega, Webuye, Bungoma and Mumias
Abstract
Rapid post independence urbanization in Kenya has
been· greatly influenced by deliberate government policies
to stimulate rural development. Such policies are well
known under various names and titles, for example growth
centre development special rural development programmes
and many others of the like. Other deliberate government
moves have involved the post independence efforts to create
a better administrative system for the country. These efforts
have produced a series of administrative centres, of high
and low service levels, which have contributed to the growth
of the respective centres and general urbanization in Kenya.
Several underlying factors stimulate or discourage
urbanization processes and this study looks at the case of
the main towns in Western Province in relation to the
relevant forces of urbanization and development. It examines
the inter-dependence and development potentials of Kakamega,
Webuye, Bungoma and Mumias within their regional setting.
The overall aim is to provide a policy guideline for the
development of these towns within the region. It is felt
that when there is so much interaction between town then
there growth is mutually interrelated and proper relation
and co-ordination of their resource bases to growth is necessary
when determining their respective growth policies for their
future development.
Their planning can be so organized that the development
of the towns is systematically co-ordinated for the
mutual benefit of all (the towns) in any given region or
sub-region. The underlying assumption is that, inter dependance
of towns, mainly by activity flows and functional
interactions determine a systemic development pattern of
the respective towns. The results and recommendations of
this case study are expected to be useful In solving problems
in other areas that show similar urbanization trends as
in Western Province.