An appraisal of sagana town as a growth centre in kirinyaga district

Abstract

This study examines the factors that have influenced the growth of Sagana town, with a view to appraising some of the variables of growth which were considered by the Government in designating the town as 8. Growth Center. Since the town has not grown as planned this study analyses the factors \which ave limited its growth and consequently nonperformance of its assigned roles as a Growth Center. In designating Sagana as a Growth Center. the indices of potential). for growth which were taken into account included: presence of certain infra structural services such as a railway station and the towns central location in the region This study makes the point that consideration of the historical development of the town in terms of population growth, commercial and industrial growth should have been central in selecting a growth Center in this region where past growth pattern are very important indices of potential for growth of a town. The geographical Location of the town at periphery of existing and potential economic activities and population concentration reduces Sagana's accessibility for the majority of the population in both Murang'a and Kirinyaga Districts where population is concentrated in the upper and middle areas of the two District The selection of the town was made more or less independently of other centers within the region. It does not appear that planners considered the existence and.the influence of other urban Centers close by such as Thika, Karatinas, Nyeri , Murang'a and Embu which had already generated their own momentum of growth under their effects on growth of Sagana especially their ability to attract industries within the region. Lastly, the construction of new roads in the region a number of which by-pass Sagana has dealt Sagana death blow. Lack of close links between Sagana and other centers in the District has also contributed to the decline of the town . All of' thee factors have reduced the effectiveness of Sagana town as a Growth center in Central Province.