| dc.description.abstract | ABSTRACT
This study examines the future housing needs in the small
urban centre of Mumias in Western Province of Kenya. Mumais is
a town with a long a long history that dates as far back as the early
1800, but whose present rapid rate of urbanization started only
1972 as a result of the establishment of a Sugar Industry.
In assessing the future housing needs, a number of models
that can be applied for this purpose were examined. Two models,
out of those examined,that consider housing' needs variables and
factors as evident in the study area were chosen. These models
guided the whole process of housing assessment in the study area.
The major findings of the study show,that a major proportion
of the future needs will emanate from the existing inadequencies
and rapid increase in population due to the expansion of
commercial and industrial enterprises.It also found out that
lack of commitment of the government and local authority to
housing construction; lack of resources and inappropriate housing
policies may hinder t.he realization of the future housing needs.
The study has recommended the need for an integrated environmental
approach in planning for the housing needs. This planning
approach, requires the involvement of all agencies and institutions
concerned with housing development with the government and local
authority taking the lead in providing the required infrastructure
necessary for an environmentally sound housing development | |
