Towards Improving Provision And Management Of Road Infrastructure In Urban Site And Service Schemes: Case Study Of Dandora ; Nairobi

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in the world particularly in countries in the south is straining the public sector’s ability to provide and manage essential infrastructure facilities and services. The inability of cities to provide and manage these services severely affects the productivity, living and working environment of their populations. The public sector in Kenya has been willing to provide infrastructure services to its urban area citizens, as seen in various Development Plans, Sessional Papers and Strategies. However, the real situation on the ground in most of the urban areas is pathetic. This research report endeavours to look into the issues that affect the effective delivery and management of infrastructure services in urban areas. The research is conducted in Dandora, one of the biggest site and service schemes in Kenya and indeed in the region. The research aimed at examining the existing nature of road infrastructure in Dandora and evaluating the existing policy framework in infrastructure provision and management in Kenya, including identifying any gaps. The research was also geared towards identifying the various actors and to examine the roles they play in the provision and management of road infrastructure in urban areas. Based on the research findings, recommendations on ways of improving on management of urban road infrastructure were to be made. A data matrix identifying data needs, the sources of data, method of data collection, method of data analysis and method of data presentation was formulated. This was followed by identifying an appropriate sample frame and sample size. The sample size was done through random cluster sampling with simple random sampling being used within the cluster to select the households. Primary data was obtained from the study area while secondary data was gathered through the relevant literature on urban infrastructure provision and management. Indepth analysis of both primary and secondary data provides useful insights on the existing situation in Dandora. The finding of the research include the establishment that physical infrastructure in Dandora especially roads, footpaths, bicycle paths, parking, storm water drainage and street lighting area in a state of disrepair. The study has also established that Dandora has witnessed phenomenal growth in its population over the years without any expansion in the initially provided physical infrastructure cited above. The study established that various actors were involved in implementation of the Dandora project and that involvement of all stakeholders in the whole cycle of a project like Dandora is crucial to the successful management of infrastructure services. The study notes that different stakeholders possess different forms and levels of assets which could be employed to create synergy and consequently deliver infrastructure services in a sustainable manner. The report however notes that whatever strategies are employed, aspects of the external environment will always bear on the successful management of infrastructure services. Recommendations to improve on management of urban physical infrastructure are made. They include aspects on capacity building and awareness; institutional; fiscal, economic; policy and political aspects.