Planning for housing in Machakos : A case study of old Machakos town.

Abstract

The rapid urbanization taking place in the third world is accompanied by various problems, housing being one of the major problems. Housing has become a problem in that the available limited resources and housing policies have reached a point whereby the need for housing is more than the demand. The supply of housing is therefore less than the need. This has led to a situation where many people in the towns, especially those in the low income group, have had to live in substandard housing where overcrowding and lack of basic sanitary facilities is experienced. This study there fare set out to examine the housing condition in Machakos,one of the urban centers in Kenya. It has been found that a housing problem does exist in the town as was evidenced by , the uncontrolled settlements and lack of some basic facilities in the area. The problem has come about as a result of low incomes which do not allow a substantial percentage of the town's population to own or rent decent housing. Adherence to conventional hous~ng has also added to the housing problem since the majority of the people cannot meet the requirements. Another approach is therefore called for if the housing condition is going to be solved. Recommendations have therefore been made as to how the present and future housing need in Old Machakos can be met. ...- These point to a housing