Dynamics of Urban Land Space Contestation and Their Implications on Utilization of Public Green Spaces: a Case of Michuki Memorial Park, Nairobi City County

Abstract

Public urban green spaces are useful natural assets that are globally mainstreamed into practice as one of the nature-based solutions to counter the urban areas challenges such as climate change. Using Michuki Memorial Park as a case study, the study sought to assess dynamics of urban land space contestation and their implications on utilization of public green spaces. The study found that public urban green spaces have increasingly been threatened by competing urban land uses for control hence their quality over time has deteriorated thus denying city residents access to the much needed recreation and leisure areas. Catalysed by lack of a consolidated policy framework for urban green spaces in Kenya, the existing loopholes in policy have resulted to their vulnerability and dilapidation. Further the study reveals that proper planning, management and utilization of the Park can be mainstreamed into policy and practice when factors associated with their positive utilization are incorporated in its planning and design. In addition, any Park mainstreaming program in policy and practice is pegged on adequate financial support, political good will, involvement of all and access to information as well as a robust enforcement agency. Hence the study recommends formulation of urban green spaces policy framework for their planning and sustainable management. It further recommends strengthening strict adherence to land use development controls, optimizing on Park users satisfaction, promoting urban eco-tourism through revitalization of green spaces advocating public private partnerships, payment of parks services and other Park funding options as well as inculcating robust green spaces collaborative governance.