Implications of Land Tenure Security on Sustainable Land Use in Informal Settlements in Nairobi

Abstract

The nature of property rights society vests in individuals or groups and the manner in which those rights are exercised through a land tenure system have implications for the sustainable use of land. Using Kosovo and Kambi Moto informal settlements in Nairobi as case studies, the researcher investigated whether improving land tenure security would lead to sustainable land use and eventual improvement of the environment in informal settlements. In this study, the researcher outlines the fact that informal settlements have become common phenomena in urban areas in developing countries and faced by a myriad of challenges. The findings presented in the study show that with the prevailing insecure tenure, urban dwellers in the informal settlements lack incentives to engage in any meaningful sustainable land use. Thus the prevailing land use is characterized by among others unplanned land use activities such as construction of temporary shelters and informal sector activities, unsatisfactory solid waste disposal, problems associated with open sewer system, air and water pollution from industrial activities, unsustainable urban agriculture practices, and occupation of riparian reserves. This scenario ensues because residents are not assured of their ownership of the land they occupy, thus they are sensitive to the fact that anytime the rightful owner could claim the land. Therefore, building from the social relations theory in property, this study recommends and positions the continued clamor for land rights and ultimately environmental rights by the urban poor on the provision of secure tenure. Nevertheless, such tenure should clearly clarify the duties and responsibilities of those occupying land in the informal settlements towards sustainable use of the land.