| dc.description.abstract | Urbanisation is a process through which a society evolves from being rural to an essentially
urban setting. Small and intermediate urban centres are particularly important for regions
undergoing rapid economic and social transformation. Due to their size and structure, such
centres have the potential to deal with problems of urbanization and development in a more
flexible way than large cities. The overall objective of this study was to determine the impacts of
small and intermediate urban centres on local economic development. This study was an
exploratory research using a case study to investigate and understand the significance of small
and intermediate towns in Local economic development of the counties, which form their
hinterlands. The study used stratified random sampling technique to select the sample. The
technique produced estimates of overall population parameters with greater precision. The study
grouped the population into strata i.e. public officers, (Kajiado County Council, government
ministries and departments), local residents, business enterprises and industries. Secondary data
involved the collection and analysis of published material and information from other sources
such as existing publications, reports and institutional records, government documents (including
those from Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and other Government Ministries),
National and local development plans, statistical documents, economic surveys, policy and
legislative documents, annual reports, published data on urbanization and economic
development, local authority records and reports from research institutions and agencies dealing
with Kitengela and Kajiado County. Primary data was gathered directly from respondents and for
this study, the researcher used interview guides and questionnaires. Primary data was obtained
from seven key sources: public institutions; County council officials;
Business/industries/enterprises; Residents; Professionals and practitioners. Primary data was
generated through interviews and discussions using questionnaires and discussion guides.
Quantitative data was analyzed by descriptive analysis, while qualitative data was analyzed
through content analysis. It is used when one has sets of existing written or visual
documentation, which require analysis (Grbich 2007).
The study found out that the reasons that made residents to reside in Kitengela were:
nearness/proximity to Nairobi, nearness to place of work, cheap accommodation and availability
of water. On the other hand the business owners indicated that the main reasons as to why they
choose to locate in Kitengela were: availability of market, good infrastructure in terms of road
network, power and information and communication network, proximity to Nairobi, affordable
house rents both for residential and business, availability of raw materials, availability of
workers, good security, diverse culture and high population with high purchasing power. The
study established that the service provision by local authority could be enhanced by: ensuring
environmental quality; providing markets; increasing the educational opportunities; improving
health facilities; provision of street and security light; and, creating a business friendly
environment.
The study recommends that the government and the local authority should enhance provision of
security, proper sewerage, power, water, roads, education and recreation facilities, health
facilities to the people of this area in order to improve their living conditions. There should also
be adequate housing for the residents. The study further recommends that sufficient
community/public facilities should be developed. These facilities should be provided for and
safeguarded due to the possible rise in the urban population. Kitengela/Isinya Integrated
Development Plan is one of the most critical strategic instruments on the area and should be
implemented in order to realize the desired objectives and goals. Further, the study recommends
that there should be good governance and accountability in the management of public affairs to
create confidence on the part of the people residents and investors alike. | en |
