Effects Of Rapid Urbanisation On Access To Adequate Housing In Kakamega Town

Abstract

The study examine the consequences of urbanization on access to adequate housing in Kakamega town through evaluation of data collected from low income, middle income and high income earners residents to give a clear picture of the housing type and environment in Kakamega town under condition of rapid population rise, growing housing demand and increased rent and land prices as well as growing urban poverty. Findings shows that the majority of the people who move to town from rural areas fail to secure employment immediately and end up experiencing acute unemployment. They are the low income earners in Kakamega town. This growth and physical expansion of the town is accompanied by unplanned urban sprawl, environmental pollution, deterioration and deficiencies in modern basic facilities and general urban decay. These problems are compounded by urban poverty characterized by growth of substandard housing and slum/ squatter settlements, deterioration of residential neighborhood and absence of capital spending on existing housing stocks thereby reducing accessibility to adequate housing particularly to low income earners who cannot afford decent shelter.

The research also explores the historical background, factors behind the rapid growth of Kakamega town since 2003, nature of that growth and trend. The research further investigates into whether the policies and strategies put in place by government to ensure that adequate housing is achieved are being implemented in Kakamega town.

The researcher therefore conclude by suggesting recommendations to redress the negative effects of urbanization on access to adequate housing at the same time encourage/ promote the agglomeration benefits of urbanization. The researcher further recommends the implementation of favorable land, housing and urban development policies and review areas with discrepancies to address the existing land tenure problems, the establishment of strategies for developing low cost rental housing and supporting the private sector to develop decent and affordable shelter for all.