Kenya National Spatial plan 2015.pdf

Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning
Department of Physical Planning

National Spatial Plan

Optimal Productivity, Sustainability, Efficiency and Equity in
the use of our Land and Territorial Space

2015-2045


© copyright

National Spatial Plan 2015–2045

© Government of Kenya

First published in 2016

Cover Design: Content Station

Design and Layout: Content Station

Printing:


PLAN APPROVAL
This Plan has been prepared, circulated and published as per the requirements of the Physical Planning Act (Cap
286). The Plan has fulfilled all the statutory requirements and is hereby approved.

CERTIFIED


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Foreword

T
he Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning is charged with the responsibility of formulating general
principles of land planning. In this respect, the Department of Physical Planning of the Ministry has prepared
the National Spatial Plan (NSP) which sets out policies and strategies to guide the spatial development of

the country. The Plan is an important milestone not only for the Ministry but also for the country having been
identified as a flagship project under the Kenya Vision 2030 as one of the foundations for the country’s socio-
economic transformation.

The Plan culminates in a National Spatial Structure that provides a spatial illustration of all national projects and
proposes policies and measures for socio-economic development. In addition, it provides an implementation
framework to guide the realization of the proposals therein. The preparation of the Plan comes at a time when
the country is involved in many initiatives aimed at transforming the country into a globally competitive and
prosperous nation.

The National Spatial Plan details out the national vision that will guide the long term spatial development of the
country for a period of 30 years. It covers the entire territory of Kenya and defines the general trend and direction
of spatial development for the country. It aims at achieving an organized, integrated, sustainable and balanced
development of the country by providing a framework for better national organization and linkages between
different activities within the national space.

Further, the Plan supports the implementation of strategic national projects specifically the flagship projects
spelt out under Kenya Vision 2030 by indicating their spatial locations and providing a framework for absorbing
the spatial impacts of these projects. It provides a coordinating framework for sectoral planning which has been
lacking in the country and aims to address the disconnect that has existed for a long time between physical and
economic planning. This is expected to result in more prudent use of the country’s scarce resources by providing a
platform for prioritization of programmes and projects within the implementation mechanism.

Land as we all know is inelastic yet it has many competing and ever expanding demands. Land in Kenya has not
been optimally utilized and its use has in some instances resulted into conflicts. The National Spatial Plan provides
a framework for the efficient, productive and sustainable use of land as advocated for in both the Constitution
and the National Land Policy. Further, it provides strategies and policies to facilitate sustainable exploitation of the
huge potentials the country possesses for agriculture, tourism, energy, water, fishing and forestry. It is expected
to reduce regional inequalities that have existed by ensuring that these regions are no longer perceived as low
potential but as differently endowed.

The Plan is essential at this point when devolution is taking shape as it will provide a guide for development
planning by the counties as they discharge their responsibility of preparing county and local plans. The National
Spatial Plan provides physical planning policies which the plans at county level are expected to mainstream and
propagate. These policies include protection of rich agricultural land, conservation of environmentally sensitive
areas, urban containment and promotion of industrial development, among others.

Since independence, the country has grappled with a myriad of problems and challenges such as rapid and
unregulated urbanization, environmental degradation of the country’s diverse ecosystems, unbalanced
development due to the implementation of policies in favor of the perceived high potential areas, poor economic
performance in the areas of agriculture, tourism and industry due to sub-optimal use of land and underutilization
of the rich natural resource endowment. Other challenges include inadequate and poor quality transport and
infrastructure and an inadequate national policy framework for guiding spatial planning. The National Spatial Plan
provides a framework for dealing with these challenges through the formulation of planning and development
strategies, policies and measures under which projects and other priority programmes will be implemented for
the next 30 years.

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The approach adopted during the preparation of the Plan was highly participatory, collaborative and consultative.
The process brought on board participants from diverse backgrounds including National Government ministries,
departments, agencies, county governments, professionals, the academia, civil society, non-state actors among
others. This is not only in conformity with the Constitutional requirements on public participation in policy making
but it is hoped that this will provide the requisite basis for the implementation of the Plan.

It is imperative that as a nation, we must prioritize the implementation of this policy document so as to promote
equity and competitiveness within and across the 47 counties. For the country to be globally competitive, we need
to balance development across the country and promote optimal utilization of land and land based resources
as well as to cultivate an integrated approach to development in order to address the intertwined problems of
regional imbalances, skewed development and unsustainable human settlements. Let us all individually and
collectively commit ourselves to the realization of the development policies and strategies contained herein and
continue working together in order to build a competitive, equitable and prosperous Nation.

Prof. Jacob T. Kaimenyi, EGH, PHD, FICD
CABINET SECRETARY
MINISTRY OF LANDS AND PHYSICAL PLANNING

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Preface

T
he National Spatial Plan (NSP) aims at providing a spatial framework for the country to achieve economic
efficiency, global competitiveness, balanced regional development, livable and functional human settlements
and environmental sustainability for high quality of life. It is geared towards facilitating realization of the

Constitutional promises as enshrined in the Bill of Rights including the right to a clean and healthy environment. It
lays a foundation for the promotion of the land policy principles of equity, efficiency, productivity and sustainable
use of the land resource.

The Sessional Paper No. 3 of 2009 on the National Land Policy recognizes land use planning as essential for the
efficient and sustainable utilization and management of land and land based resources. The Policy advocates
for the preparation of a land use plan at the national level and actualization of spatial frameworks for orderly
management of human activities to ensure that such activities are carried out while taking into account aspects of
economy, safety, aesthetics, harmony and environmental sustainability principles which the National Spatial Plan
upholds.

The Plan covers the entire country encompassing all the forty seven (47) counties and includes the Exclusive
Economic Zone. It recognizes that Kenya is greatly endowed with massive and diverse resources distributed over
the national space that require to be managed in a concerted manner. In spite of the rich resource endowment
the country faces challenges related to skewed development, declining agricultural production, under-utilization
of resources, rapid and unplanned urbanization, inefficient transport systems and environmental degradation.
The NSP has outlined policies and strategies aimed at optimizing the country’s potentials while mitigating the
challenges.

The preparation of the NSP commenced with the development of a concept paper which provided the road map
for the formulation of the Plan. Benchmarking through desktop research was undertaken to draw lessons from
best global practices on national planning. A team from the Malaysian Government provided useful insights into
the process having successfully prepared and implemented a national plan for Malaysia. Locally, experts drawn
from various public and private sectors were brought on board to provide technical input and to contribute their
expertise and experiences. The Plan benefited from inputs by the counties with six regional workshops held each
bringing together clusters of counties.

The Plan provides comprehensive strategies and policy guidelines to address issues of balanced development,
modernizing agriculture, appropriate infrastructure development, diversifying tourism, promoting industrialization,
integrating transportation, protecting and conserving the environment as well as creating sustainable human
settlements. Further the Plan offers a coordinating framework for various sectors involved in spatial planning and
implementation. The Plan also provides physical planning policies to guide the preparation of lower level plans
such as Regional Plans, County Spatial Plans, Local Physical Development Plans and Urban Plans.

To actualize the NSP a comprehensive implementation strategy has been proposed that embraces a multiplicity
of actors including National Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, County Governments and the
National Land Commission. The strategy proposes the establishment of the following institutions as key in the
implementation of the Plan; The National Physical Planning Council, the National Technical Committee and the
County Physical Planning Committee.

It is my expectation that the National Spatial Plan will receive the requisite budgetary support from both the national
and county governments necessary for its implementation. This will facilitate socio-economic transformation
necessary for attainment of the Kenya Vision 2030 aspiration of making the county globally competitive.

Arch. Mariamu el Maawy, CBS
PRINCIPAL SECRETARY
MINISTRY OF LANDS AND PHYSICAL PLANNING


Acknowledgments

T
he preparation of the first National Spatial Plan (NSP) has been a success attributed to the concerted
efforts of various actors; both in government and in the private sector. I take this opportunity to gratefully
acknowledge the roles and contributions of everyone individually and collectively towards the completion

of this important national initiative.

I am indebted to the management and staff of the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning for their effort and
support during the entire period of Plan preparation.

My deepest gratitude to the experts from the various government sectors: Tourism, Housing, Agriculture, Energy,
Environment, Industry and Trade who contributed their expertise and time during the Plan formulation process.

My appreciation goes out to the experts from the institutions of higher learning specifically from Maseno University,
Moi University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology and the University of Nairobi for
their useful insights into the National Plan.

I wish to acknowledge the County Governments who were instrumental in providing county specific information
regarding the resource potentials, levels of utilization and the challenges being experienced within the counties.

Special recognition to the National Social and Economic Council (NESC), Kenya Institute of Public Policy and
Research (KIPPRA), Kenya Forest Services (KFS), Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), Kenya Agricultural and Livestock
Research Organization (KALRO), Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA), Kenya Investment Authority
(KenInvest), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Geothermal Development Company (GDC),
National Irrigation Board (NIB), Kenya Railways, World Wide Fund (WWF) and Africa Wildlife Foundation (AWF) for
their immense contribution towards the achievement of the Plan.

Finally, I take this opportunity to thank the Centre for Urban Research and Innovations, University of Nairobi who
undertook the editorial work for the Plan.

To all those who in one way or the other participated in the realization of the National Spatial Plan, I say thank you.

Mr. Augustine K. Masinde, EBS
DIRECTOR OF PHYSICAL PLANNING

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Executive Summary

T
he National Spatial Plan is a strategic vision that defines the general trend and direction of spatial development
for the country, covering the entire forty seven counties and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). It is a long
term Plan spanning a period of thirty (30) years with 10 year periodical reviews. The preparation of the

National Spatial Plan is recommended under the Kenya Vision 2030 as a flagship project under the Infrastructure
Services sector as one of the foundations for socio-economic transformation.

The purpose of the Plan is to provide a national spatial structure that defines how the national space is utilized to
ensure optimal and sustainable use of land and land based resources. This is imperative as it will not only facilitate
the attainment of national, social, economic and environmental goals and objectives but also the achievement of
the national land policy principles of efficiency, equity, sustainability and productivity. Further, the Plan provides
strategies and policies to deal with national challenges of regional imbalances/inequalities, rural development,
underutilization of the available resources, urbanization, environmental degradation and inefficient transportation.

In Kenya, the emphasis has hitherto been on economic planning with little or no regard for spatial/physical planning.
This major disconnect has led to uncoordinated and unguided development resulting not only in duplication of
efforts but also in resource wastage and unbalanced development. The Plan will thus provide a spatial framework
upon which the various sectoral plans and policies will be anchored and coordinated. As a broad physical planning
framework it will provide physical planning policies to support economic and sectoral planning and also guide the
preparation of regional, county and local physical development plans.

The specific objectives of the National Spatial Plan are:-

0 To create a spatial planning context that enhances economic efficiency and strengthens Kenya’s global
competitiveness

0 To promote balanced regional development for national integration and cohesion

0 To optimize utilization of land and natural resources for economic development

0 To create livable and functional human settlements for high quality of life in both urban and rural areas

0 To secure the natural environment for sustainable development and

0 To establish an integrated national transportation network and infrastructure system.

Further, the Plan aims to promote the principles of effective public participation, compact cities which entail
delineating urban boundaries, smart and green urban growth to promote health and aesthetics, sustainable
development for posterity, livability and efficiency among others.

The National Spatial Plan is organized into two sections. Part 1 (Chapters 1, 2 and 3) provides the introduction, the
planning context and the country’s overall national development strategies. Part II (Chapters 4 and 5) provides the
national spatial policy thrusts and the implementation framework for the National Spatial Plan.


Chapter 1 chronologically traces the historical perspectives of spatial planning efforts in Kenya. It also outlines the
methodology applied in preparing the Plan, the rationale for preparing the Plan; the strategic direction as well as
the constitutional, legal and policy basis for the Plan.

Chapter 2 takes a sectoral approach to situational analysis of the country’s spatial planning context. It gives a
detailed review of the country’s geographical positioning, population dynamics, economic trends, resource
endowment, land use patterns and practices, sector policies and plans as well as the aspirations of Kenyans as
espoused in the Constitution.

Chapter 3 provides approaches and strategies for spatial growth and development of the country by identifying
and exploiting the inherent resource potentials while addressing the factors that prevent the country from
achieving the intended national goals and objectives. Thematic areas on global impacts, land use, regional balance,
urbanization, environment, national transportation and infrastructure have been discussed and respective
strategies formulated to address the identified issues.

Chapter 4 presents the national spatial structure which aims at setting the direction of spatial development of
the country to achieve pre-determined national goals and objectives. It also details the policies together with
supporting measures for realizing the strategies formulated. These policies and measures are designed at
promoting the achievement of the goals and objectives of NSP of enhancing the country’s competitiveness
and economic efficiency, modernizing agriculture, diversifying tourism, supporting industrialization, creating
functional and livable human settlements, conserving the environment, integrating the national transport
network and providing quality infrastructure and services.

Chapter 5 proposes an implementation framework for the Plan which establishes institutions necessary for its
realization, identifies activities to be undertaken together with the respective actors and spells out the timelines.
Some of the broad action areas include the preparation of regional, county and local spatial plans to integrate and
conform to the proposals of the NSP, assimilation of the proposed policies to the sector plans and programmes,
formulation of regulations and standards to guide development and incorporation into the five year Medium Term
Plan (MTPs).

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Table of Contents

FOREWORD ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ V

PREFACE .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................VII

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ....................................................................................................................................................................................................VIII

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... IX

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ..........................................................................................................................................................................XVII

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................................................................1

1.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................3

1.2 Historical Background ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................3

1.2.1 Pre-Independence Planning ...................................................................................................................................................................................................3

1.2.2 Post-Independence Planning ................................................................................................................................................................................................4

1.3 Scope ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7

1.4 Purpose of the National Spatial Plan ................................................................................................................................................................................................8

1.5 Rationale for the National Spatial Plan............................................................................................................................................................................................8

1.6 Methodology .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................8

1.7 Strategic Direction ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10

1.7.1 Vision .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10

1.7.2 Goal ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10

1.7.3 Objectives .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11

1.7.4 Principles ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11

1.8 Constitutional, Legal and Policy Basis ...........................................................................................................................................................................................11

1.8.1 Constitutional Basis.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................11

1.8.2 Legal Basis.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11

1.8.3 Kenya Vision 2030 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

1.8.4 Sector Policies ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

1.8.5 National Physical Planning Framework ........................................................................................................................................................................ 13

CHAPTER II: THE PLANNING CONTEXT ....................................................................................................................................................................15

2.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17

2.2 Geographical Perspective ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

2.2.1 Position and Location .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17

2.3 Physiography ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

2.3.1 Topography .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

2.3.2 Soils ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21

2.3.3 Rock Formation ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21

2.3.4 Vegetation .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21

2.3.5 Rainfall and Temperature ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21

2.3.6 Drainage ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................22

2.4 Rich and Diverse Natural Resource Endowment ..................................................................................................................................................................22

2.5 Population and Demographic Trends .........................................................................................................................................................................................23

2.5.1 Overview ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................23

2.5.2 Urban Population Demographic Trends ......................................................................................................................................................................25

2.5.3 Demographic Trends ................................................................................................................................................................................................................25

2.5.4 Socio-Cultural Aspect ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................33


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2.6 Economic Performance and Prospects .....................................................................................................................................................................................34

2.6.1 Overview .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................34

2.6.2 Economic Trends ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................34

2.6.3 Major Drivers of the Economy in Kenya ......................................................................................................................................................................36

2.6.4 Constraints to Economic Growth .....................................................................................................................................................................................36

2.6.5 Opportunities and Potentials for Economic Growth ............................................................................................................................................37

2.7 Transport and Infrastructure .............................................................................................................................................................................................................38

2.7.1 Transport ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................38

2.7.2 Physical Infrastructure ............................................................................................................................................................................................................46

2.7.3 Social Infrastructure ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................52

2.8 Land Use Patterns .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................59

2.8.1 Land Use ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................59

2.8.2 Agricultural Land .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................60

2.8.3 Urban Land ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 61

2.8.4 Environmental Conservation Areas ................................................................................................................................................................................. 61

2.9 Human Settlements ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................62

2.9.1 Functions of Human Settlements ...................................................................................................................................................................................62

2.9.2 Human Settlement Patterns in Kenya ............................................................................................................................................................................62

2.9.3 Urban Settlements ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................63

2.9.4 Rural Settlements........................................................................................................................................................................................................................65

CHAPTER III: DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES .............................................................................................................................................................. 69

3.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................71

3.2 Managing Impacts of Global Trends .............................................................................................................................................................................................71

3.2.1 Emerging Global Trends .........................................................................................................................................................................................................72

3.2.2 Kenya’s Comparative Advantages .................................................................................................................................................................................... 74

3.3 Optimizing the Use of Land and Natural Resources ...........................................................................................................................................................78

3.3.1 Overview ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................78

3.3.2 Land Capability and Availability Assessment ...........................................................................................................................................................79

3.3.3 Agriculture Capability Assessment ..................................................................................................................................................................................79

3.3.4 Environmental Conservation and Protection Areas .............................................................................................................................................. 81

3.3.5 Assessment of Natural Resource Potential ................................................................................................................................................................84

3.3.6 Assessment of Industrial Potential ..................................................................................................................................................................................85

3.3.7 Assessment of Tourism Potential ......................................................................................................................................................................................85

3.3.8 Urban Land Requirement Assessment ..........................................................................................................................................................................88

3.3.9 Public Utilities ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................95

3.3.10 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) ............................................................................................................................................96

3.3.11 Social Infrastructure ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................97

3.4 Promoting Balanced Regional Development ......................................................................................................................................................................102

3.4.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................102

3.4.2 Existing Situation.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................102

3.4.3 Past Efforts to Promote Regional Development ..................................................................................................................................................102

3.4.4 Challenges of Balanced Regional Development .................................................................................................................................................103

3.4.5 Delineation of Regions: the NSP Approach ............................................................................................................................................................ 104

3.4.6 Strategies ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 104

3.5 Promoting Rural Development ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 104


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3.5.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 104

3.5.2 Existing Situation...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 104

3.5.3 Past Efforts to Promote Rural Development ......................................................................................................................................................... 105

3.5.4 Challenges of Rural Development ................................................................................................................................................................................ 105

3.5.5 Strategies ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................107

3.6 Urbanization Strategy ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................107

3.6.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................107

3.6.2 Existing Situation...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 108

3.6.3 The Hierarchy of Urban Areas in Kenya ...................................................................................................................................................................... 108

3.6.4 Strategies ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................112

CHAPTER IV: NATIONAL SPATIAL PLAN POLICY GUIDELINES ........................................................................................................................ 113

4.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................115

4.2 Resource Potential Growth Regions ...........................................................................................................................................................................................115

4.3 National Spatial Structure ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................118

4.4 Enhancing National Competitiveness ......................................................................................................................................................................................120

4.4.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................120

4.4.2 Policy Thrust .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................120

4.4.3 Policy Statements ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................121

4.5 Modernizing Agriculture ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................123

4.5.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................123

4.5.2 Policy Thrust .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................124

4.5.3 Policy Statements .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................124

4.6 Diversifying Tourism ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................127

4.6.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................127

4.6.2 Policy Thrust .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................127

4.6.3 Policy Statements .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................127

4.7 Managing Human Settlements .....................................................................................................................................................................................................129

4.7.1 Overview .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................129

4.7.2 Policy Thrust .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................130

4.7.3 Policy Statements .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................130

4.8 Conserving the Natural Environment .......................................................................................................................................................................................133

4.8.1 Overview .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................133

4.8.2 Policy Thrust .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................135

4.8.3 Policy Statements ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................135

4.9 Integrating the National Transportation Network .............................................................................................................................................................138

4.9.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................138

4.9.2 Policy Thrust .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................139

4.9.3 Policy Statements .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................139

4.10 Providing Appropriate Infrastructure ........................................................................................................................................................................................142

4.10.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................142

4.10.2 Policy Thrust .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................143

4.10.3 Policy Statements .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................143

4.11 Towards a Rapidly Industrializing Nation ................................................................................................................................................................................145

4.11.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................145

4.11.2 Policy Thrust .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................145

4.11.3 Policy Statements .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 146


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CHAPTER V: IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK ....................................................................................................................................................149

5.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................151

5.2 Rationale for Plan Implementation ..............................................................................................................................................................................................151

5.3 Key Challenges in Implementation of Plans ..........................................................................................................................................................................151

5.4 Opportunities for NSP Implementation ...................................................................................................................................................................................152

5.5 Approaches of Implementing NSP ..............................................................................................................................................................................................153

5.6 Time Frame for Implementation of Key Actions .................................................................................................................................................................153

5.7 Institutional Framework for Implementation of the NSP ...............................................................................................................................................153

5.8 Resource Mobilization ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 154

5.9 Training and Capacity Building ......................................................................................................................................................................................................155

5.10 Communication .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................156

5.10.1 Sensitization and awareness creation ..........................................................................................................................................................................156

5.10.2 Communication Strategy .....................................................................................................................................................................................................156

5.11 Monitoring and Evaluation ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................156

5.12 Plan Review .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................156

REFERENCES .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................164

APPENDICES .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................166


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List of Tables
Table 1.1: Spatial Development Strategies applied in Kenya - 1964-2015 ...................................................................................................................................... 5

Table 2.1: IMR by regions (former provinces), 2008/09 ............................................................................................................................................................................27

Table 2.2: Percentage Contribution to GDP ..................................................................................................................................................................................................36

Table 2.4: Road Classification and Definition .................................................................................................................................................................................................38

Table 2.5: International Trunk Roads ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................38

Table 2.6: Pipeline Lengths .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................42

Table 2.7: Transport and Storage Indicators ...................................................................................................................................................................................................45

Table 2.8: Renewable Energy Sources, their Locations and Potentials ......................................................................................................................................... 46

Table 2.9: Annual Renewable Surface Water Resources by Catchment in Million m3/year ............................................................................................ 48

Table 2.10: Projected Water Demand (Million M3/year) ........................................................................................................................................................................49

Table 2.11: Key Information Communication and Technology Indicators ...................................................................................................................................51

Table 2.12: Proportion of population that has access to selected ICT services .......................................................................................................................51

Table 2.13: Current and Passed ICT Initiatives and Projects ..................................................................................................................................................................51

Table 2.14: E-Government Services ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................52

Table 2.15: Health Facilities/Institutions ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................55

Table 2.16: Distribution of Agro Climatic Zones in Kenya ..................................................................................................................................................................... 60

Table 2.17: Land Use Patterns in Kenya ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................61

Table 2.18: The 10 most Populous Towns in Kenya ..................................................................................................................................................................................65

Table 2.19: Trends of Urban Growth in Kenya ...............................................................................................................................................................................................65

Table 3.1: Proposed Strategies for Managing Global Competitiveness ........................................................................................................................................74

Table 3.2: Summary of Agricultural Land Capability Assessment ....................................................................................................................................................82

Table 3.3: Conservation and Protection Areas ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 80

Table 3.4: Natural Resource Assessment ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................81

Table 3.5: Assessment of Industrial Potential .................................................................................................................................................................................................83

Table 3.6: Assessment of Tourism Potential ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 84

Table 3.7: Housing Requirement Assessment ...............................................................................................................................................................................................87

Table 3.8: Kenya Modes of Transport and their Coverage ................................................................................................................................................................... 88

Table 3.9: Summary of Transport Constraints and Strategies ............................................................................................................................................................ 90

Table 3.10: Proportion of population with access to ICT services ................................................................................................................................................... 94

Table 3.11: Summary of Social Infrastructure ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 96

Table 3.12: Summary of Health Facilities ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................97

Table 3.13: Regional Divides and their Potentials1 .................................................................................................................................................................................... 00

Table 3.14: Rural Development Clusters and Their Potentials .......................................................................................................................................................... 102

Table 3.15: List of major informal settlements in main towns in Kenya .....................................................................................................................................108

Table 4.1: Framework for Development of Spatial Growth Regions .............................................................................................................................................114

Table 5.1: Time Frame for Plan Implementation .......................................................................................................................................................................................148

Table 5.2: Implementation Matrix ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 152

List of Figures
Figure 1.1: National Spatial Development Strategy ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 9

Figure 1.2: National Planning Structure ............................................................................................................................................................................................................13

Figure 2.1: Growth of Population over the Years .........................................................................................................................................................................................23

Figure 2.2: Kenya’s Population Pyramid ............................................................................................................................................................................................................24

Figure 2.3: Kenya Urban Population Trends ...................................................................................................................................................................................................27

Figure 2.4: Main Causes of Death in Kenya .....................................................................................................................................................................................................28

Figure 2.5: Burden of disease and premature mortality by broad causes .................................................................................................................................29

Figure 2.6: Healthy life expectancy at birth ...................................................................................................................................................................................................29

Figure 2.7: Fertility Trends in Kenya 1977-2014 ..............................................................................................................................................................................................30

Figure 2.8: Total Recorded Employment, 2011 – 2014 .............................................................................................................................................................................30

Figure 2.9: Creation of new jobs, 2010-2014 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................32

Figure 2.10: Population and Poverty Trends, 2006 - 2012 ......................................................................................................................................................................32

Figure 2.11: Kenya’s Economic Performance compared to that of India and China ............................................................................................................. 34


Figure 2.12: Comparison of Kenya’s GDP with other Countries .........................................................................................................................................................35

Figure 2.13: Kenya GDP Growth Rate 2011 - 2015........................................................................................................................................................................................35

Figure 2.14: Vehicle Types on Nairobi Roads ..................................................................................................................................................................................................39

Figure 2.15: Comparison of Composition of Travel Mode between 2013 and 2004 ........................................................................................................... 44

Figure 2.16: Comparison of Number of Trips by Travel Mode between 2004 and 2013 ................................................................................................... 44

Figure 2.17: Electricity Generation by Source.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 46

Figure 2.18: Proportion of Population by Education Level ...................................................................................................................................................................54

Figure 2.19: Number of Education Institutions in 2015 ...........................................................................................................................................................................54

Figure 2.20: Enrollment in Educational Institutions ..................................................................................................................................................................................55

Figure 2.21: Functions of Human Settlements .............................................................................................................................................................................................62

Figure 2.22: Main Factors Influencing Urbanization in Kenya ............................................................................................................................................................63

Figure 3.1: Assessment of Kenya’s Competitiveness .................................................................................................................................................................................72

Figure 3.2: Structure of Kenya’s Economy Compared to the rest of the World .......................................................................................................................72

Figure 3.3: Problematic Factors Connected with doing Business ....................................................................................................................................................74

Figure 5.1: Integrated NSP Implementation Organizational Structure ....................................................................................................................................... 150

List of Plates
Plate 2.1: Syokimau Railway Station .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................39

Plate 2.2: A section of the Standard Gauge Railway .................................................................................................................................................................................41

Plate 2.3: Mombasa Sea Port ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................42

Plate 2.4: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ............................................................................................................................................................................................43

Plate 2.5: Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, Aquatic Stadium, ........................................................................................................................................57

Plate 2.6: Nyayo National Stadium .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................57

Plate 2.7: Kenya National Theater Main Auditorium ..................................................................................................................................................................................58

Plate 2.8: The Proposed National Library .........................................................................................................................................................................................................59

Plate 3.1: Traffic Congestion on the Thika Super Highway-Nairobi .................................................................................................................................................89

Plate 3.2: Dandora Dumpsite................................................................................................................................................................................................................................109


xvii

Acronyms and Abbreviations

ASAL Arid and Semi-Arid Land

AWF Africa Wildlife Foundation

BPO Business Process Outsourcing

CIDP County Integrated Development Plan

CSP County Spatial Plan

DRSRS Department of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing

DDC District Development Committees

DFRD District Focus for Rural Development

EAC East African Community

EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone

ESRC Economic and Social Research Council

GDC Geothermal Development Company

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GNP Gross National Product

ICD Inland Container Depot

ICT Information and Communications Technology

IMR Infant Mortality Rate

INTS Integrated National Transport System

KALRO Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization

KDHS Kenya Demographic and Health Survey

KENHA Kenya National Highways Authority

KENINVEST Kenya Investment Authority

KFS Kenya Forest Services

KIPPRA Kenya Institute of Public Policy Research and Analysis

KMP Kenya Municipal Programme

KNBS Kenya National Bureau of Statistics

KPC Kenya Pipeline Corporation

KRC Kenya Railways Corporation

KWS Kenya Wildlife Services

LAPSSET Lamu Port Southern Sudan-Ethiopia Transport

LPDPs Local Physical Development Plans

MDAs Ministries, Departments and Agencies

MDGs Millennium Development Goals

MoLG Ministry of Local Government

MTPs Medium Term Plans

NCD Non Communicable Diseases

NDPs National Development Plans


xviii
NEMA National Environment Management Authority

NESC National Economic and Social Council

NIB National Irrigation Board

NLC National Land Commission

NLP National Land Policy

NMIMT Non-Motorized and Intermediate Means of Transport

NSP National Spatial Plan

RCMRD Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development

RDAs Regional Development Authorities

RPDP Regional Physical Development Plans

RTPC Rural Trade and Production Centres

RVR Rift Valley Railways

SDGs Sustainable Development Goals

SRDP Special Rural Development Plans

TEU Twenty Foot Equivalent Units

WARMA Water Resources Management Authority

WB World Bank


1

CHAPTER I:
INTRODUCTION

1


2


3
1.1 Overview

T
he National Spatial Plan (NSP) is a national
spatial vision that guides the long term spatial
development of the country. It covers the entire

territory of Kenya and defines the general trend and
direction of spatial development for the country.
The Plan provides national physical planning policies
aimed at guiding the preparation of regional, county
and local level physical development plans.

The Plan is a flagship project identified under Kenya
Vision 2030 as one of the foundations for the country’s
socio-economic transformation. It aims at achieving
an organized, integrated, sustainable and balanced
development of the country. NSP will inform the
future use and distribution of activities by providing
a framework for better national organization and
linkages between different activities, sectors as well
as the different parts of the national space.

The NSP seeks to promote the attainment of
predetermined national social, economic and
environmental goals and objectives. The Plan will
facilitate integration and the implementation of the
Constitution and socio-economic blueprints such as
Kenya Vision 2030, which aspires to transform Kenya
into a globally competitive and prosperous country in a
clean and secure environment with a high quality of life
by the year 2030, which is comparable to standards of
living enjoyed in middle-income industrialized nations.

The Plan supports the implementation of strategic
national projects specifically the flagship projects
spelt out under Kenya Vision 2030. It provides them
with a spatial dimension and coordinating sectoral
agencies through provision of rationalized spatial
expression to sectoral policies.

1.2 Historical Background

1.2.1 Pre-Independence Planning

Kenya’s efforts on national spatial organization date
back to the colonial era when the British administration
established various ordinances aimed at controlling
land use in the East African protectorate. Key among
these was the Town Land Ordinance of 1902 and the
Crown Land Ordinance of 1915. The former declared
all land in the protectorate as Crown Land while the
latter reinforced it by declaring that all land, including
that which was occupied by indigenous Africans, as
being subject to the Governor’s authority and power.
The latter ordinance further provided for extension of
land leases for the settlers from 99 to 999 years.

The consequent planning ordinances concentrated
more on management of land in urban areas, with
the 1919 ordinance delineating municipal boundaries
of one (1) mile from the administrative headquarters
of the municipalities. In 1920, the territorial unit that
now covers Kenya was declared a colony. The 1931
Planning Ordinance provided legislation on control
of development in towns. The Ordinance further
extended planning powers of the Governor to almost
any type of land whether developed or undeveloped
especially in towns. Throughout this period, Africans
were restricted to rural areas. The dual restrictive
policy was marked by alienation and overcrowding of
Africans in villages leading to agitation and struggle
for better living conditions. This among other factors
led to the subsequent declaration of the state of
emergency in Kenya in 1952.

The milestones in Kenya’s colonial land use planning
and its development were; the Swynnerton Plan (1954)
and the Development and Use of Land (Planning)
Regulations, 1961, which were later repealed and
enacted as part of the Land Planning Act, Cap 303 of
1968.

The Swynnerton Plan of 1954 was a colonial
agricultural policy that was crafted to restructure
land ownership in African areas. The policy provided
for progressive African farmers to grow cash crops.
It also saw the adoption of European-like land
tenure systems where permanent land ownership
was conferred to the indigenous Africans. The Plan
promoted agricultural production through provision
of infrastructure and inputs in the areas considered
to be of high agricultural potential. It was mixed
farming in the high potential areas which received
the most attention. These arrangements were set
forth for introducing cash crops, land consolidation,
registration and provision of title deeds among others.
The Plan also identified the obstacles in order to make
sound and productive use of land.

The major failure of the Plan was the neglect and
marginalization of Arid and Semi-arid areas (ASAL)
which led to imbalances in development between
different regions. It also created a landless class and
loss of communal grazing areas among others.

The Development and Use of Land (Planning)
Regulations of 1961 were a subsidiary legislation
of the Land Planning Act Cap 303. The purpose of
the Act was to make provision for planning the use
and development of land. It required that planning
applications have regard to health, amenities and
convenience of the community and the proper
planning and density of development and use of land
in the area. The regulations were used in guiding land


4
subdivision in former European farming areas, land
use along major trunk roads and in the peri-urban
areas. It also created a Central Authority to control the
use and development of land.

1.2.2 Post-Independence Planning

Five Year National Development Plans:
The first ten years of independence were spent
developing consensus on the country’s political
philosophy and planning doctrine.

The landmark in the country’s planning efforts was
the formulation of the Sessional Paper No. 10 of
1965 on African Socialism and its Application
to Planning in Kenya. The paper emphasized the
role of planning in national development processes
along with the African tradition of mutual social
responsibility, political democracy and various forms
of ownership. While the policy aptly identified the
main development challenges of poverty, diseases
and ignorance which, were rampant in the country
at the time, it adopted a development approach that
favoured the development of high potential areas
having abundant natural resources, good land and
rainfall, transport and power facilities, and people
receptive to and active in development. The policy
assumed that through trickle-down processes the rest
of the country could benefit from rapid development
in high potential areas. Although this did not happen,
a positive provision of the policy was the proposal for
formulation of a national land use policy and extension
of physical planning from towns and cities to districts
and rural areas. The policy proposed good planning
initiatives, which were never fully implemented.

The subsequent five year National Development Plans
(NDP) were used to articulate the country’s economic
and physical development policies. Soon after
independence there was the 1964-1970 National
Development Plan (referred to as the Red Plan)
which was succeeded by the 1966-1970 National
Development Plan (referred to as the Green Plan).
The Plan elaborated on Kenya’s planning doctrine
and set the path for the country’s agrarian revolution
by stressing on transforming small-scale farming
into a modern and productive economic activity. It
launched programmes for land consolidation and
registration to facilitate the agrarian revolution and
extended planning to the provincial level.

The NDP 1966-1970 recognized and defined the four
important aspects of planning, namely physical,
social, financial and economic.

“Physical planning deals with land use and layout,
locational, transport and design problems in both rural

and urban areas; social planning is concerned with
welfare and social services, cultural development, the
modification of traditional attitudes, the alleviation of
social problems, self-help and community development;
financial planning involves the determination of
government revenues, recurrent expenditure and capital
budgeting and planning and creation of financial
institutions; and economic planning has the task
of organizing all of the national real and monetary
resources into a concerted and coordinated development
effort. None of these aspects of the planning can be
carried out without close co-ordination with the others
even on apparently routine matters” (Republic of Kenya,
NDP 1966-1970, pp. 1). The co-ordination was aptly
demonstrated in the next NDP 1970-1974 which
was an integrated national development plan as
it provided and harmonized all the four aspects of
planning. However, in the subsequent years Kenya did
not adequately uphold the co-ordination and balance
required in the four aspects of planning thereby
leading to uneven socio-spatial development.

The preparation of Regional Physical Development
Plans (RPDP) was the first attempt at addressing
physical planning at the national level (1968-1970).
There were seven Regional Physical Development
Plans which were prepared to cover all the provinces,
except Nairobi.

Nairobi was addressed in the period 1967-1973 by the
Metropolitan Growth Strategy where the concept of
comprehensive planning was mooted to enable the
city chart its growth and development and to aim to
respond to a series of sectoral pressures including but
not limited to employment, housing, transportation
and infrastructure services.

The RPDPs were integrated Plans which were to be
the basis on which all development agencies were to
carry out their development programmes in order to
have coordinated development. These Plans were also
to provide the framework for infrastructural provision
including spatial distribution to facilitate utilization of
the regions’ resources and to identify urban areas for
investment to take advantage of economies of scale.
These early Plans recognized that due to population
increase, it would no longer be sustainable for
Kenyans to derive livelihoods from agriculture alone
and therefore advocated for diversification. It was also
realized that there was going to be marked migration
to towns which would lead to an upsurge in urban
growth. The plans were concerned with physical
development to serve the social needs of the people
including administration, education, health and
transportation.


5
The NDP (1970-1974) strategies focused on growing
the national economy steadily and rapidly and to
enable provision of services to the people. The Plan
proposed measures to accelerate development of
rural and urban areas through designation of urban
and rural growth centers. The central theme of the
Plan was urban development which emphasized
the role of infrastructure in national development.
The Plan recognized and emphasized the dual
role of economic and physical planning in national
development processes. In addition, it established the
mechanism for extension, financing and coordination
of the Special Rural Development Programme
(SRDP) in six selected areas of the country to increase
rural incomes and employment.

The NDP (1974-1978) and subsequent five-year
NDPs, focused on freeing Kenyans from disease,
ignorance and poverty and hence the concept of
Kenyanization of the economy. The Plan elaborated
on the country’s urbanization policy and strategy of
urban service centres and principal towns. This led
to the formulation of the growth and service centre
strategy published in 1978 under the title, “Human
Settlements in Kenya: A Strategy for Urban and
Rural Development”, popularly referred to as the
‘Purple Book’.

The Human Settlements Strategy of 1978 was the
first comprehensive attempt aimed at formulating
a national framework for the management of future
urban growth, and for the location of physical
developments in urban and rural areas. It aimed at
fostering coordination and integration of physical
and socio-economic development planning with
a long term perspective and also offered a basis for
preparing the five (5) year development plans for the
country. It was formulated at a time when the country
was experiencing a rapid population growth rate of
3.5% and when urban areas were viewed as parasitic
towards the rural areas. Due to the inadequate
implementation of the strategy, little was achieved
and the human settlement problems have persistently
increased.

The NDP (1979-1983) adopted the theme of
‘Alleviation of Poverty’ where basic needs and
infrastructure provision was emphasized.

The NDP (1984-1988) had its theme as ‘mobilization of
domestic resources for equitable development’. At the
time, the country faced a balance of payments crisis and
serious debt service ratio leading to the introduction
of Structural Adjustment Policy (SAPs). The policy
shift was engineered through Sessional Paper No. 1 of
1986 on Economic Management for Renewed Growth.
The District Focus for Rural Development (DFRD) was

introduced where responsibility for rural development
was delegated to the districts. It was aimed at achieving
regional balance in growth and in the provision of the
infrastructure and basic needs services.

Beginning 1987, the country prepared district
development plans which were similar to the Regional
Plans. The purpose of these Plans was to guide
development within a the districts by identifying
opportunities, potentials and challenges and
developing appropriate strategies. These plans aimed
at developing an urban hierarchy for the respective
districts by identifying the key centres that required to
be developed to service the rural areas and promote
agriculture. The strategies were not anchored on a
spatial framework and therefore led to haphazard
location of projects.

The (NDP 1989-1993) sought to follow an ‘integrated
approach’ by requiring the government ministries
and other agencies to carry out their functions in ways
that recognized and promoted complementarity
and mutual supportiveness. The Plan aimed at
bringing about rural-urban balance through the
establishment of the Rural Trade and Production
Centres (RTPC) programme to stimulate growth of
small market centres and agricultural development
of their immediate hinterlands. Another programme
promoted during this plan period is the development
of Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) which dealt with
integrated area development projects in parts of the
arid and semi-arid lands in Kenya.

The Regional Development Authorities were
established based on the concept of a shared common
natural resource, mainly the water catchments. Six
regional development authorities were established
with the aim of controlling rural–urban migration by
developing the rural areas. Their main objective was
to ensure that Kenyans attain enhanced growth and
sustained wealth creation through integrated water
basin-based development programs through policy
guidance and capacity building for sustainable use and
the conservation of water and other natural resources.
NSP aims to build on these regional planning efforts
in order to promote balanced and integrated regional
development nationally.

Throughout the 1980’s and 1990s, the Department of
Physical Planning spearheaded preparation of Local
Physical Development Plans for Kenya’s towns at the
district level. These plans were prepared for specific
towns and entailed indicating the land uses within
selected urban centres. Some of the shortcomings of
the local physical development plans were inadequate
resources, haphazard growth of urban centres and the
heavy reliance on part development plans.


6
The tradition of a five year National Development
Plan has continued uninterrupted in Kenya to the
present NDP 2012/2016. The plans have succeeded
in guiding the country on financial and economic
planning under challenging global economic regimes.
Prior to 1984 the NDPs placed emphasis on integrated
development management which aimed at achieving
rural–urban balance, reduction of regional disparities

and coordination of national development. The NSP
therefore seeks to build on these past planning efforts
and to redress most of the challenges that the Human
Settlements Strategy aimed at addressing.

Table 1.1 shows the spatial development strategies
deployed by the country over the NDP planning
periods.

Table 1.1: Spatial Development Strategies applied in Kenya - 1964-2015

Period Spatial Development Strategies Rationale

1966-1970 Special Rural Development
Programme (SRDP)

Coordinated development aimed primarily at increasing job
opportunities and raising the levels of income

7 Regional (Provincial) Physical
Development Plans

Provided for preparation of physical development plans

1970-1974 Service and Growth Centres Service centres to offer administrative, social and trading services to
the people in the rural areas; the growth centres were strategically
located to form the major administrative, commercial and industrial
centres for the country in the future

1974-1978 The focus was on urbanization
with the growth and service centre
strategy

To service the rural areas and to take care of rapid urbanization being
experienced in the country at the time

1979-1983 Alleviation of Poverty Provision of basic needs and infrastructure was emphasized. To
improve the quality of life

1984-1988 Rural Trade and Production Centres
(RTPCs)

District Focus for Rural Development
(DFRD)

Arid and Semi-Arid Lands
Development Programme (ASAL)

To stimulate growth of small market centres and agricultural
development of their hinterlands.

Responsibility for rural development was delegated to the districts. It
was aimed at achieving regional balance in growth and provision of
infrastructure services and basic needs.

Dealt with integrated area development projects in parts of the arid
and semi-arid lands in Kenya.

1989-1993 Green Towns Project (MoLG and the
Dutch Government)

Regional Development Authorities
(RDAs)

Had an environmental focus to guide urban growth and spatial
development involving multiple stakeholders in secondary towns

Six regional resource based development Authorities were established
to cover the entire country.

1994- 1997 Secondary Towns Programme (WB) The promotion of secondary cities that would relieve population
pressure in the countryside, integrate the country’s rural and urban
economies, reduce congestion and improve the quality of life
in the metropolitan cities of Nairobi and Mombasa and increase
the modernization spin-off which urban centers provide to the
surrounding rural areas

2001-2005 Economic Recovery Strategy for
Wealth and Employment Creation
2003-2007 (ESRC)

The Economic Recovery Action Plan was the blueprint that guided the
Government’s economic policies in order to reverse decades of slow
and stagnant economic growth that had adversely undermined the
well-being of Kenyans. It included a section on Development of Arid
and Semi-Arid lands (ASALs).

2006-2011 Kenya Vision 2030

Kenya Municipal Programme (KMP)
MoLG & WB

Its objective was to transform Kenya into a “newly
industrializing, middle-income country, providing a high quality of life
to all its citizens by 2030 in a clean and secure environment”. The Vision
is based on three “pillars”: Economic, Social and Political.

The overall development objective of the Programme was to
strengthen local governance and improve service delivery in selected
municipalities. It was revised “to improve planning and delivery of
infrastructure services in urban areas in selected counties.

2012-2016 National Spatial Plan

County Spatial Plans

A long term plan covering a period of thirty years (30) from 2015-2045
to address land use, socio-economic and environmental issues to
achieve balanced and sustainable development and optimal land use
across the country.

Following the County Government Act 2012, all counties are
required to prepare County Spatial Plans along with other Physical
Development Plans to guide spatial development.


7
1.3 Scope

The NSP covers the entire territory of Kenya measuring
approximately 582,646 km2 including 142,400 km2 of
the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The Plan is a long
term spatial planning framework spanning a period
of thirty (30) years 2015-2045 and shall be subject
to ten (10) year reviews. It is a territorial strategy to
guide physical development activities, provide a

spatial illustration of all national projects and identify
strategies for land development. The Plan aims to
address issues of human settlement, urban and
rural development, economic development, the
natural environment, regional balance, transport and
infrastructure.

Map 1.1 shows the territorial extent of the country
which comprises of forty seven (47) counties and the
EEZ covered by the Plan.

Map 1.1: Geographical Scope of the NSP

Source: Survey of Kenya, 2012


8
1.4 Purpose of the National
Spatial Plan

The NSP provides a national spatial planning
framework for integration of social, economic and
political policies. Its principal objectives are to:-

i. Strengthen national economic planning by
anchoring national economic policies;

ii. Coordinate sectoral agencies by providing the
spatial expression to sector policies to mitigate
duplication and wastage of resources.

iii. Formulate physical/spatial planning policies to
support socio-economic and sectoral planning,
and

iv. Guide the preparation of regional, county and
local physical/spatial development plans.

1.5 Rationale for the National
Spatial Plan

The Kenya Vision 2030 identifies the preparation of the
first National Spatial Plan in the second Medium Term
Plan as a flagship project as a foundation for socio-
economic transformation. The Sessional Paper No. 3 of
2009 on the National Land Policy also recognizes that
national land use planning is essential for the efficient
and sustainable utilization and management of land
and land based resources. Therefore, the preparation
of NSP is in response to these policy directives and
is expected to facilitate national socio-economic
transformation.

The preparation of NSP is further buttressed by Article
60 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010) and the Physical
Planning Act Cap 286. The NSP is important in realizing
the Constitutional principles of equity, sustainable
development as well as the land policy principles
of efficiency, productivity and sustainability. The
NSP has taken cognizance of these Constitutional
provisions as demonstrated in the strategies, policies
and guidelines proffered.

In Kenya the focus on economic planning with little
or no regard for spatial/physical planning has led to
a major disconnect between the two aspects leading
to uncoordinated and unguided development. The
sectoral approach to issues has aggravated the
situation leading to duplication of efforts, the wastage
of scarce resources, unbalanced development and
overlaps in policy and programme implementation.
The NSP is expected to strengthen economic planning
by providing a spatial expression to economic policies

and coordinating sectors through illustration of
sectoral policies.

Over the years, the country has been grappling with a
myriad of problems and challenges among them:

1. Rapid and unregulated urbanization which has
led to conversion of rich agricultural land to urban
use thereby threatening the country’s productive
capacity and food security;

2. Environmental degradation of the country’s
diverse ecosystems including parks, lakes,
catchment areas, forests, marine and coastal
ecosystems and Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs)
compromising on environmental sustainability;

3. Unbalanced development resulting from
implementation of policies in favor of high
potential areas, uneven population distribution,
variation in resource endowment, underutilization
of land and insecurity;

4. Overall poor economic performance in key
sectors which includes agriculture, tourism and
industry which has impacted negatively on the
country’s global competitiveness;

5. Inadequate and inefficient transport and
infrastructure hindering optimal performance of
the economy, and

6. Inadequate national policy framework for guiding
spatial planning leading to uncoordinated
development planning.

The National Spatial Plan aims at providing a
framework for addressing the above challenges
through the formulation of national development
strategies, policies and guidelines.

1.6 Methodology

The national spatial planning process was a deliberate,
systematic and structured action to develop a
document that sets out Kenya’s vision for spatial
development as well as the specific policies, strategies
and guidelines for achieving the spatial vision. The
preparation of the NSP entailed a multi-disciplinary,
multi-sectoral and participatory approach involving
stakeholders drawn from the public, private and
civil society organizations. The broad-based process
of consultations was carried out around identified
thematic areas that formed the basis of stakeholder
engagement and consensus building conducted
through workshops and seminars. This was in
keeping with the Constitutional requirement that
stakeholders should be an integral part of policy and
plan-making process. Various sectoral policies and


9
plans were reviewed to ensure that the NSP policy
recommendations are relevant and in harmony with
other related policies. The process also entailed an
in-depth study and spatial analysis of key thematic
areas to gain insights into the magnitude, extent,
trend and impacts of the issues under investigation.
The preparation of the Plan was informed by the
following processes.

The rationale for NSP is drawn from the fact that
Kenya has not had a comprehensive national spatial
planning framework to guide her current and future
development. A concept paper was developed
which entailed developing a rationale for the Plan, its
purpose and objectives, determining a methodology
for its delivery and anticipating the resources required
for its preparation. The Concept Paper was validated
and adopted at a forum held in June 2010.

A wide range of consultations including public
participation forums, technical workshops for experts,
and workshops with key line Ministries representing
the following sectors: economy, environment, health,
education, transport and infrastructure were held.
Sensitization and public awareness meetings were
also conducted including county specific workshops.
Regional workshops were held in Kisumu, Eldoret,
Nakuru, Nyeri, Embu and Mombasa bringing together
clusters of counties within the regions to solicit input
on the Plan and build consensus on the proposed
strategies and policies.

Key Line Ministries, Departments and Agencies
(MDAs) have participated through sector and experts
workshops which were held to align sector policies
to the NSP Policies and build consensus on how
to integrate and provide the spatial dimension to
sector policies. They include the National Social and
Economic Council (NESC), Kenya Institute of Public
Policy and Research (KIPPRA), Kenya Forest Services
(KFS), Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), Africa Wildlife
Foundation (AWF), Kenya Agricultural Research
Institute (KARI), Kenya National Highways Authority
(KENHA), Kenya Investment Authority (KENVEST),
National Environment Management Authority
(NEMA), Geothermal Development Company (GDC),
National Irrigation Board (NIB), Kenya Railways among
others. The Ministries and Departments involved
included those dealing with Tourism, Industrialization,
Environment, Livestock, Fisheries, Housing, Nairobi
Metropolitan, Urban Development, Information and
Communication, Mining and Energy. The National
Spatial Plan is therefore, a product of a wide range of
collaborative consultations and consensus building.

Benchmarking
Benchmarking was undertaken to identify best
practices from other countries which informed and
shaped the formulation of the Plan. National Plans
from Malaysia, Singapore, Germany, South Africa,
Egypt, and Ireland among others were reviewed. At
the conceptualization stage, planning experts from
the Government of Malaysia were invited to provide
insights of the Malaysian experience in the preparation
of their National Spatial Plan.

Projections and Scenario Building
In order to capture the long term perspective of
the NSP, projections and scenario building were
undertaken. This entailed projections on population
and scenarios on possible futures and impacts in
relation to urbanization, rural development, use of
land and natural resources, environment and global
trends among others. Simulations were done to
determine the trajectory of development in various
sectors.

In shaping the strategic direction, the
conceptualization of the future spatial planning
framework was determined by taking into cognizance
the country’s situational analysis of the agro-climatic/
agro-ecological zones; the current population
distribution and historical human settlement growth
patterns; the country’s resource potential growth
areas; the current and projected infrastructure; the
emerging growth areas identified in Kenya Vision 2030
flagship projects as selective monocentric nodes; and
lastly the complementary growth nodes as envisioned
in Kenya’s devolved governance system.

The national spatial vision of achieving a more balanced
regional, urban and rural development is anchored
in the concept of polycentric urban development.
Firstly the spatial vision takes cognizance of the
Human Settlements Strategy, which was based on
the concept of a Hierarchical Polycentric Regions
and envisioned several urban centres organized in a
hierarchical central place structure. In this structure
several urban centres, such as Nairobi, Mombasa and
Kisumu are dominant, while the smaller centres are
dependent on the bigger centres for the supply of
specialized goods and services.

Secondly, the national spatial vision takes cognizance
of the emerging concentration growth areas
identified in Kenya Vision 2030 flagship projects. The
selective concentration nodes such as the Lamu Sea
Port, Konza Techno City, Isiolo Tourist City, Turkana
oil fields, Marsabit Wind farms and the emerging
Nakuru-Naivasha industrial zone are based on the
concept of monocentric polycentric regions, which


10
envision several dominant urban centres that are
geographically and functionally isolated from each
other.

Lastly, the national spatial vision recognizes the
aspirations of County Spatial Planning under the
current system of devolved governance, which is
based on the concept of complementary polycentric
regions and envision several dominant urban centres
that have approximately the same size, are of equal
importance, are equally spread out geographically
and are more or less equally accessible. The emerging
national spatial development model is thus a vision
of integrated polycentric regions aimed at achieving
balanced and sustainable regional, urban and rural
development, from which NSP policies, strategies and
measures are derived (see Figure 1.1 on the national
spatial development strategy).

1.7 Strategic Direction

The strategic direction for the National Spatial Plan
is a key component that defines the desired path
for spatial development of the country. This spatial
aspect of development has been lacking and NSP is
geared towards providing the framework for spatial
development.

This section sets out the Vision of the Plan, which
defines the desired spatial end state and creates a
sense of direction into the future. The goal of the Plan
has been outlined to provide the desired outcome.
The objectives of the Plan form part of the strategic
direction and indicate what is intended to be achieved

by the Plan. The principles set out within this chapter
provide the basis upon which the NSP is based and
will guide all future planning at all levels.

The Vision, Goal, Objectives and the principles all
contribute towards the establishment of the strategic
direction.

1.7.1 Vision

The NSP envisions coordinated, integrated and
balanced spatial development of the country to
promote the achievement of competitiveness,
balanced development, prosperity and high quality
of life for the citizens in line with the aspirations of the
Kenya Vision 2030.

1.7.2 Goal

The country aspires to attain a consistent rate of
economic growth at 10% from the year 2012 to the
year 2030. This will elevate the country to a middle-
income economy. The Constitution of Kenya provides
that sustainable development is a national principle
and value. It further provides for efficient, equitable,
sustainable and productive management of land
resources. In order to comply with the Constitutional
provisions on the management of land resources
and attain the aspirations of the Kenya Vision 2030,
there is need for prudent utilization of the national
space. The NSP will provide a framework for equitable
development through a rational utilization of the
country’s territorial space.

The goal of the National Spatial Plan is:

Figure 1.1: National Spatial Development Strategy

Source: Department of Physical Planning, 2015


National Spatial
Development

Strategy

Development

Agro Ecological
Zones

Resource Potential

Key Development
Corridors

Hierarchical Polycentric
Nodes in Human

Settlement Strategy

Complementary
Polycentric Nodes

Monocentric Zones


11
To develop a national spatial framework for efficient,
effective and rational use of the national space
to promote global competitiveness, optimal use
of the land resource, balanced regional and rural
development, environmental sustainability, and
create functional and livable human settlements.

1.7.3 Objectives

The objectives of the National Spatial Plan are:

i. To create a spatial planning context to enhance
economic efficiency and strengthen global
competitiveness;

ii. To promote balanced regional development for
national integration and cohesion;

iii. To optimize utilization of land and natural
resources for sustainable development;.

iv. To create livable and functional Human
Settlements both urban and rural;

v. To secure the natural environment for high quality
of life;

1.7.4 Principles

The following principles guided the preparation of
NSP and form the basis upon which all future spatial
plans including Regional Spatial Development Plans,
County Spatial Plans and Local Physical Development
Plans shall be prepared.

1. Effective Public participation: All plans shall
be prepared in a participatory and consultative
manner with relevant stakeholders and sectoral
actors.

2. Urban containment/Compact cities: Local plans
shall strive to limit and control urban growth
within the set urban boundaries to protect rich
agricultural land, mitigate urban sprawl and
reduce cost of infrastructural provision.

3. Livability: The planning of urban areas shall
enhance the livability index in the area of
housing, environment, transportation, health,
and social engagement. The urban areas must
be economically viable, socially inclusive and
ecologically sustainable.

4. Smart and green urban growth: Plans shall
promote sustainable use of energy, creation of
green spaces, reduce the need for car travel,
and promote use of local materials, support
businesses, protection of heritage and creation of
unique character.

5. Sustainable development: Balancing social,
economic and environmental dimensions of
development and catering for current and future
generations.

6. Promotion of ecological integrity: Plans shall
promote the protection and conservation of
ecologically sensitive areas.

7. Promote public transportation: Favor public
transportation over private transport to ensure
efficiency, minimal congestion and functionality
of urban places.

1.8 Constitutional, Legal and
Policy Basis

1.8.1 Constitutional Basis

The Constitution guides and governs the process
and context of the National Spatial Plan. It defines
the territory of Kenya (under Article 5 – territory
and territorial waters), which in turn defines the
geographical scope of NSP. The supreme law outlines
national values and principles of governance (Article
10) that guides all activities including making and
implementing public policy decisions. Key among the
values and principles that impact on the NSP are social
justice, inclusiveness, protection of the marginalized
persons and attainment of sustainable development.

The Constitution also outlines the principles of
land policy (Article 60) implementable through the
National Land Policy. Key among these principles is
the sustainable and productive management of land
resources, which is a pointer towards optimization of
land as encapsulated in this Plan. The State is given
powers to regulate use of any land and property
(Article 66) in the interest of land use planning
among others. NSP will be the principal instrument in
regulating land uses and actualizing these principles.

The Constitution also establishes the requisite
institutional framework to carry out the spatial
planning function. The National Government is
charged with the responsibility of formulating general
principles of Land planning and the coordination of
planning by the counties. The County Governments
are responsible for planning and development while
the National Land Commission has the responsibility
of monitoring and oversight of land use planning
throughout the country.

1.8.2 Legal Basis

In preparing the Plan, an analysis of the legal
framework was undertaken and the following section
outline the various legislations that have direct impact
on spatial planning


12
1. The Physical Planning Act Cap 286- This is the

primary statute that provides for administration,
types, content, process and approval of the
various types of Physical Development Plans.

2. County Governments Act, 2012 -This statute
mandates County Governments to carry out the
planning function at the county level.

3. The Urban Areas and Cities Act, 2011-The
statute provides for classification of urban areas
and cities, their governance and management,
and for integrated development planning.

4. Environmental Management and Coordination
(amendment )Act, 2015- provides for a framework
for environmental management and coordination
matters .

5. Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Authority
Act, 2013 provides the confines within which to
make proposals on agriculture promotion and
conservation of soils and fertility for sustainable
agriculture and optimization of land use.

6. Water Act, 2002 does provide guidelines on
plan proposals touching on management,
conservation, use and control of water resources,
water supply, and sewerage services.

7. National Land Commission Act, 2012 provides
for the management and administration of
public land on behalf of the National and County
Government.

8. The Land Act, 2012 provides for sustainable
administration and management of land and land
based resources.

1.8.3 Kenya Vision 2030

The Kenya Vision 2030 is the country’s long term
development blueprint covering the period from
2008 to 2030. It aims to transform Kenya into a newly
industrializing, “middle-income country providing
a high quality of life to all its citizens by the year
2030”. The preparation of the first National Spatial
Plan is identified in the Vision as a flagship project
under infrastructure and is regarded as one of the
foundations for socio-economic transformation.
The Plan is expected to provide impetus for the
implementation of national projects by providing a
spatial illustration of the projects and identifying a
strategy for land development.

Under the Second Medium Term Plan (2013-2017),
the NSP is identified as one of the flagship projects
under programmes and projects. The NSP is therefore
prepared against a backdrop of the implementation
of Kenya Vision 2030. The Plan culminates in a National

Spatial Structure that provides a spatial illustration
of all national projects and other socio-economic
development policies and.

NSP will provide the spatial basis for Kenya Vision 2030
projects. It will also provide a platform of opportunities
for planning of the LAPSSET corridor, metro and resort
cities, Industrial zones, among others.

1.8.4 Sector Policies

The policy framework context describes the key
national and sectoral policies that were considered
during preparation of NSP with a view to interpret,
translate and mainstream them for effective and
integrated implementation. The purpose was to
achieve coherence and avoid duplication.

1. National Land Policy (NLP) -The NLP served
largely as the precursor to Chapter Five of the
Constitution on land matters. Besides coming up
with land policy principles and guiding values,
the policy sets out the goals and direction for the
administration and management of land and sets
out measures and guidelines to be adopted to
achieve optimal utilization and management of
land.

2. Policy for Sustainable Development of North-
ern Kenya and other Arid Lands – Sessional
Paper No. 8 of 2012-The policy was prepared to
align the development of these areas with the
aspirations of Kenya Vision 2030. Its formulation
was premised on the fact that in order to achieve
the Vision and other international commitments
such as the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs), there is need to deal with regional
inequalities and to give the marginalized areas of
the country some fresh impetus for growth.

3. Agricultural Sector Development Strategy
2009-2020-This Strategy recognizes that the
agricultural sector is not only the driver of Kenya’s
economy, but also the means of livelihood for the
majority of the Kenyan people. The Strategy aims
to position the agricultural sector strategically as
a key driver for delivering the 10 percent annual
economic growth rate envisaged under the
economic pillar of Vision 2030.

4. National Housing Policy for Kenya (2004)-
The goal of the housing policy is to facilitate
the provision of adequate shelter and a healthy
living environment, at an affordable cost to all
socio-economic groups in Kenya in order to
foster sustainable human settlements. The policy
recognizes comprehensive land use planning as a
major component of housing.


13
5. ICT Policy-The National Information &

Communications Technology (ICT) policy seeks
to improve the livelihoods of Kenyans by ensuring
the availability of accessible, efficient, reliable and
affordable ICT services. It envisions a prosperous
ICT-driven Kenyan society. The policy seeks to
facilitate sustained economic growth and poverty
reduction; promote social justice and equity;
mainstream gender in national development;
empower the youth and disadvantaged groups;
stimulate investment and innovation in ICT; and
achieve universal access.

6. Industrial Master Plan-The Industrial Master
Plan is aimed at providing a mechanism by which
the government will leverage and catalyze the
implementation of strategic actions to accelerate
industrial development and enhance industrial
growth and competitiveness. Its overall goal is
to promote the industrial development of Kenya
with emphasis on the target sub sectors namely
agro-processing, agro-machinery and electric,
electronics/ICT.

7. National Tourism Strategy 2013-2018-The
Strategy seeks to make Kenya the preferred
destination of choice by developing, managing
and marketing sustainable tourism in Kenya. This
is due to the important role played by the sector
in economic development. The Government
therefore, earmarked tourism as one of the six key
growth sectors of the economic pillar of Vision
2030 and charged the sector with the task of
making Kenya one of the top ten long-haul tourist
destinations globally.

8. Integrated National Transport Policy
Sessional Paper No. 2 of 2012-The Integrated
National Transport Policy aims to develop a
world-class integrated transport system that is
responsive to the needs of people and industry.
The Government recognizes the transport sector
as one of the critical enablers in achieving Vision
2030. The national transportation master plan
is aimed at addressing existing local challenges
and opportunities and to provide vital regional
linkage with neighboring countries.

9. National Climate Change Response Strategy,
2010-In response to the climate change, Kenya
has developed the National Climate Change
Response Strategy. The vision of the strategy is for
a prosperous and climate change resilient Kenya.
The mission is to strengthen and focus nationwide
actions towards climate change adaptation and
GHG emission mitigation’

1.8.5 National Physical Planning Framework

Physical planning is a concurrent function carried
out by the two levels of government, national and
county. At the National level, the physical planning
function entails formulation of general principles of
land planning which set the norms and standards
for guiding the counties in undertaking planning.
Planning at this level is guided by a number of policies
and plans that include;

The Kenya Vision 2030 is the overarching policy to
guide development of the country. The Policy aims
to transform Kenya into a new industrializing middle-
income country by providing a high quality of life
to all its citizens in a clean and secure environment.
Vison 2030 is anchored on three key pillars: economic;
socio and political. The plans prepared should aim to
realize the Vision objectives and to lead to the growth
and transformation of the country.

Medium Term Plans (MTPs) which are five year
development plans that outline programmes and
projects to be implemented by various government
ministries and agencies. In line with this, Government
ministries are required to prepare five year sectoral
plans to guide budget and plan implementation in
their various mandates. The first MTP was implemented
from 2008–2012. The second MTP identifies projects
to be implemented from 2013 – 2017.

The National Spatial Plan: The National Spatial
Plan is a long term plan that will guide the spatial
development of the country for a period of 30 years.
It provides a framework for the preparation and
implementation of lower level plans (Regional Plans,
County Integrated Development Plans, County Spatial
Plans and Local Physical Development Plans among
others). It informs the future use of land and desirable
trends in the distribution of activities for sustainable
development of the country. It provides a framework
for rational and harmonized location of development
programme activities in the country

Regional Plans: These are plans prepared for
shared common natural resources across different
ecological zones or counties for purposes of guiding
and coordinating development within those regions.
These plans are prepared at both national and
county levels to enable proper management of these
resources in the country. Some of these plans include
river basin plans, corridor plans, conservation area
plans including those dealing with transboundary
resources.


14
Sector Plans: These are plans that emanate from
various State Departments and Agencies, State
Corporations, Research institutions, Regional
Development Authorities among others. The plans
provide for projects and programme to be undertaken
by various government sectors. These programmes
are required to be in line with programmes stipulated
in vision 2030.

Local Physical Development Plans: These are long
term or short term plans prepared for a city, town
or urban area for purposes of guiding development
and coordination of development of infrastructural
facilities and services.

County Integrated Development Plans: These are
5 year plans that set out goals and objectives for the
development of the various Counties in Kenya. They are
prepared for purposes and as a basis for development
budgeting and spending in the Counties and are to

be reviewed after every 5 years. Various sectors within
the county are required to prepare sectoral plans in
line with the County Integrated Development Plans.

County Spatial Plans: These are 10 year GIS based
plans that indicate how spatial planning will be
undertaken in the Counties. The plans are component
parts of County Integrated Development Plans and
are reviewed after every 5 years.

Figure 1.2 illustrates the interactions between the
various plans at the two planning levels.

Figure 1.2: National Planning Structure

Source: Department of Physical Planning, 2015

Kenya Vision 2030
Overarching Policy

Medium Term
Plans

County Integrated
Development Plan

National Spatial Plan

Regional Plans

County Spatial Plan

Local Plans

County Sectoral Plans

National Sectoral
Plans/Policies

C
O

U
N

TY
L

EV
EL

N
A

TI
O

N
A

L
LE

V
EL


15

CHAPTER II:
THE PLANNING CONTEXT


16


17
2.1 Overview

T
his chapter presents the different perspectives
and trends of the country that informed the
preparation of the National Spatial Plan.

The geographical context - has been analyzed to
provide an appreciation of the position and locational
advantages that the country possesses including the
physical structure which brings out the rich diversity
of the country that the Plan seeks to leverage on to
promote its global competitiveness. The position
of Kenya gives a global reach through air and water
transport around the globe.

Population growth and its dynamics - have been
evaluated to ensure that policies developed will be
able to address not only the current population, but
also the projected population. Population in 2009 was
38million and it is approximated at about 48.8 million
in 2016. It is projected that Kenya’s population will
reach 77.5 million by the year 2030 and 111 million by
the year 2045.

Economy growth trends and prospects – The
economic growth and development of the country
have been reviewed to provide indications on the
pattern and trends of economic development
including the factors that have impeded faster growth
to attain the desired 10% GDP.

Transport and Infrastructure – being an enabler
and foundation for development is critical to gauge
the country’s status as a precondition for propelling
growth and better quality of life for the people of
Kenya.

Human Settlements – This is an important
perspective which has implications on how land is
used both in urban and rural areas and it is imperative
to assess how the human settlement patterns have
impacted on land use.

Land Use - is mainly determined by economic,
institutional and physical structure. The main land uses
include Agricultural; Built up areas; and Conservation
areas.

2.2 Geographical Perspective

2.2.1 Position and Location

Kenya is located on the eastern coast of Africa
between latitudes 5oN and 4o 40’ south and straddles
the Equator. Longitudinally, it extends from longitude
33o 53’ East of Greenwich Meridian. This gives the

country a global reach through air and water transport
around the globe. The country shares boundaries
with the republic of Uganda to the west, South Sudan
and Ethiopia to the north, Tanzania to the south and
Somalia to the East (see Maps 2.1 and 2.2).

Kenya’s territory comprises a total area of 582,646 km2
of which 2.2% of the area consists of water bodies. An
important part of the inland water surface is covered
by a portion of Lake Victoria (an area of 3,755km2).
Other inland water bodies are located on the floor of
Rift Valley including Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Lake
Baringo, Lake Turkana and Lake Bogoria.

Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline has a total length of
1,420 km. Of this, 650 km, representing 45.7%, is found
in Lamu County which, in addition to its irregular
coastline, has several islands within its boundaries.
Kenya sea territory extends to the Indian Ocean by
9,700km2 while her Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
in the Indian Ocean is approximately 142,400 km2.
This serves the Republic as an important outlet and
means of international maritime contact. The Sea Port
of Mombasa also serves Northern Tanzania, Uganda,
Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic
Republic of Congo. This makes Kenya an international
transportation hub in addition to being a regional
trade, business and financial hub.

2.3 Physiography

2.3.1 Topography

Kenya’s diverse topography is characterized by
plains, plateaus, hills, and mountains (see Map 2.3).
One of the most spectacular features is the Great Rift
Valley system that extends from the Middle East to
Mozambique and bisects the country into the west
and east of Rift Valley. It features the snowcapped
Mt. Kenya, Mt. Elgon, Mau Escarpment, Cherangani
Hills and Aberdare ranges and Lakes such as Turkana,
Magadi, Naivasha, Nakuru, Baringo, Elementaita,
Bogoria). To the west of the Rift Valley lies Lake Victoria.

The northern and south eastern parts of the country
are generally plains punctuated with numerous
mountains and hills. Chalbi is the only true desert in
Kenya and is found to the east of Lake Turkana. The
coastal area contains coral reefs, mangroves and
white sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean.


18
Map 2.1: Global and Regional Location of Kenya

Source: Department of Physical Planning, 2016


19
Map 2.2: Location of Kenya in the different African Economic Blocks

Source: Department of Physical Planning, 2016


20
Map 2.3: Kenya’s Diverse Topography

Source: Department of Physical Planning, 2016


21
2.3.2 Soils

Kenya has numerous types of soils. The Main soil types
include;

a) Loamy - Loam soil is primarily a mixture of clay
and sand soil. In Kenya, loamy soil is mainly found
in Western Kenya and parts of the Rift Valley

b) Alluvial Soils - Alluvial soils are also referred to
as young soils. In Kenya, alluvial soils are in most
cases found deposited in the valleys and mouths
of large water sources e.g. rivers such as Ewaso
Nyiro, Sondu, Tana among others. These soils are
common in the southern parts of the Rift Valley.
They are formed from volcanic lava

c) Volcanic Soils - Volcanic soils are also commonly
referred to as red earth soils. They are commonly
found in highland areas which have previously
been affected by volcanic activities. In Kenya,
these soils are in East and West of the Rift Valley.
The soils are ideal for growing coffee, tea and
pyrethrum

d) Black Cotton Soils - Black cotton soils are
also referred to as clay soils. In Kenya, they are
commonly found in Mwea, Athi, Kapiti, Kano and
Trans Mara regions.

e) Sandy soils - In Kenya, sandy soils are commonly
found in arid and semi-arid areas of northern and
north-eastern Kenya, the coastal regions and
some river valleys. These soils support scanty
vegetation and have very little humus

2.3.3 Rock Formation

The geology of Kenya may generally be grouped into
the following five major geological successions:

0 Archean (Nyanzian and Kavirondian),

0 Proterozoic (Mozambique Belt and Bukoban),

0 Paleozoic/Mesozoic sediments,

0 Tertiary/Quaternary volcanic and

0 Tertiary/Quaternary sediments.

0 The Geological environments for the mineralization
can be summarized as follows:

f) The Archean Nyanzian Craton area of Western
Kenya where metallic mineralization of base and
precious metals occur such as gold, copper and
silver. They are also potential for ferrous and
no-ferrous metals.

g) The Proterozoic Mozambique Belt that is most
extensive in Central Kenya north to South in which
minerals such as kyanite, corundum, graphite,

wollastonite, marble, asbestos, fluorspar,
magnesite, kaolin and a variety of gemstones
are found.

h) The sedimentary rocks of Palaeozoic to
Quaternary are widespread. These rocks are
sources and hosts of limestone, gypsum, clays,
manganese and construction materials. Heavy
mineral sands also occur along the coastal beach
sands and recent deposits of about 3.2 billion
tons of titanium bearing have been discovered in
the coastal region.

i) The volcanic rocks associated with the
Rift System host a variety of minerals and
construction materials. The volcano-sedimentary
accumulations have deposits of clays,
evaporites, trona (soda ash), diatomite, natural
carbon dioxide, kunkar and gypsum. Gem
quality rubies have recently been discovered.1

2.3.4 Vegetation

Kenyan forests are biologically rich and harbor high
concentrations of endemic species. Forests types
range from the lowland rainforest in western Kenya,
to the montane forest in the central and western
highlands and on higher hills and mountains.

Forest classification done by describing dominant
species and environmental features of different forest
types summarizes these forests into six main blocks:
the volcanic mountains, the western plateau, the
northern mountains, the coastal forests, the southern
hills and the riverine forests.

Since Kenyan forests are influenced by the farming
and herding practices of the local inhabitants, many
Kenyan forests are cultural rather than natural entities.
However, they still support a forest cover of solely
or mainly indigenous species. This is also why most
forests are highly fragmented and under pressure –
lowland forests are the first forests to be cleared for
agriculture and present population pressure is making
the forests more and more fragmented and degraded
(Pelika, P.J, 2004)

2.3.5 Rainfall and Temperature

Kenya enjoys a tropical climate with sunshine all
year round. It is usually cool at night and in the early
morning. Kenya has four distinct weather zones:

1 The Geology and Mineral Potential of Kenya


22
1. Western Kenya: Experiences rainfall throughout

the year, but heaviest in April (200 mm). An
average of 40 mm may be recorded in January
alone. Temperatures range from a minimum of
14-18 Degrees Celsius to a maximum of 30-36
Degrees Celsius.

2. Rift Valley and Central Highlands: Temperate
climate with temperatures ranging from 10-28
Degrees Celsius. Rainfall varies from a minimum
of 20 mm in July to 200 mm in April. Two different
seasons of rainfall occur: (a) long rains, which last
from March until the beginning of June, and (b)
short rains, which last from October until the end
of November.

3. Arid and Semi-arid lands: Located at the north
and east of Kenya. Temperatures vary from 40
Degrees Celsius in the day to 20 Degrees Celsius
at night. Violent storms occur due to the sparse
rainfall. The average annual rainfall ranges
between 250 and 500 mm.

4. Coastal regions: Always humid with average
temperatures ranging from 22-30 Degrees
Celsius and average monthly rainfall ranging
from 20 mm in February to 300 mm in May. The
rainfall is monsoon-dependent; this blows from
the northeast from October-April, and from the
southwest for the rest of the year.

2.3.6 Drainage

Drainage basins
Kenya shares international drainage basins which
comprise of the Nile basin; Lotikipi; Lake Turkana;
Juba-Shibeli and Lake Natron Basin.

Water Catchments
Kenya consists of 5 water catchments; Rift Valley, Lake
Victoria, Ewaso Ng’iro North, Ewaso Ng’iro South, and
the Tana catchments

Lake Victoria is the world’s second-largest freshwater
lake and the largest lake in Africa while Lake Turkana
is the largest lake in Kenya and world’s largest desert
lake.

2.4 Rich and Diverse Natural
Resource Endowment

Minerals
Kenya is well endowed with mineral resources, some
of which are already being exploited and some
yet to be prospected and exploited (See Map 2.9).
There is potential for discovery of other minerals as

exploration is intensified. Minerals found in Kenya
are classified into three categories namely energy
minerals, metallic mineral and non-metallic minerals.
The country’s mining industry is dominated by
production of non-metallic minerals encompassing
industrial minerals such as soda ash, fluorspar, kaolin
and gemstones. Other minerals include diatomite,
limestone, barite, carbon dioxide, gold, iron ore,
lead, copper, zinc, nickel, vermiculite, manganese,
titanium, silica sands, soapstone, precious minerals,
gypsum, dimension stone, kyanite, wollatonite,
chromite, pyrite, phyrochore, chromite and crude
oil. Gold is produced primarily by artisanal workers
in the west and southwestern parts of the country
on several small greenstone belts. Iron ore is mined
from small-localized deposits for use in the domestic
manufacture of cement.

Mining potential in the country has not been fully
utilized due to lack of accurate geological information
on the existence of the minerals and their commercial
viability. Minerals occur in areas gazetted as game
parks and forest reserves which make it difficult to
access because of lack of an enabling framework. In
some instances the minerals are found on privately
owned land with Titanium in Kwale and coal in Kitui
as good examples. Land tenure and ownership
issues make acquisition of the land complex and it is
encumbered by many challenges delaying the process
of exploitation. The challenges of infrastructure and
transport also impede the exploitation of mineral
resources.

Wildlife
Kenya is endowed with an enormous diversity of
ecosystems and wildlife species which live in the
terrestrial, aquatic and aerial environment. These
biological resources are fundamental to national
prosperity as a source of employment and foreign
exchange. Kenya’s tourism is mainly wildlife based,

Emerging Issues: Natural Eco-Systems and Spatial
Growth Patterns

The diverse ecosystems and habitats are home to
numerous biodiversity. This diversity is a result of unique
topography, climate, geology, and drainage systems. This
offers Kenya diversity in socio-economic activities such
as crop farming, pastoralism, tourism, mining, fishing,
water transport, hydro and geothermal power generation
and urban entrepreneurships. Kenya has great potential
for renewable energy sources in the form of solar and
wind energy resources. Within this rich and diverse
environment are over 40 communities with diverse
cultural heritages and livelihoods. This has implications
on spatial and economic planning.


23
where wildlife remains the single most important
tourist attraction. About 8% of the land area of Kenya
is gazetted for wildlife conservation. However, more
than 80% of the wildlife is found outside the protected
areas (NEAP 2009-2013). Kenya has 23 National parks
covering a total area of 29,408.7 Km2, 28 National
reserves with covering 17 396.6 Km2 , 4 marine parks
with an area of 70.093 Km2, 6 Marine reserves with an
area of 871 Km2, and 4 National sanctuaries with a
total area of 71.84 Km2.

The major challenges facing wildlife conservation
include poaching, loss of habitats due to changes
in land use, human encroachment into protected
areas and wildlife migration corridors causing human
wildlife conflict.

Energy
Energy is one of three macro-economic sectors on
which the three pillars of Vision 2030 is anchored. The
country has an abundant potential for hydroelectric
power, wind, geothermal, and solar energy
production. Distribution of energy potential by
sources is identified by rivers, hot springs, wind fields,
coal fields, crude oil, biomass, solar, and biogas which
have varying potentials.

Kenya has a current hydroelectric power potential of
2,987MW along its major river basins; Lake Victoria
basin, Rift Valley basin, Athi River basin, Tana River
basin and Ewaso Ngiro North River basin. The Rift Valley
has an estimated geothermal potential of between
7,000 MW to 10,000 MW spread over 16 prospective
sites of hot springs and geysers. Other locations with
undetermined capacity include Homa Hills in Nyanza,
Mwananyamala at the Coast and Nyambene Ridges.
Preliminary wind resource assessments in areas such
as Marsabit, Turkana and the Coastal region shows
that these areas can support commercial electricity
generation as they enjoy wind speeds ranging from 8
to 14 metres per second (m/s).

The country discovered coal deposits at Mui basin
in Mwingi district, which covers an area of 400km2.
The coal has been analyzed and found to range in
ranking from lignite to sub-bituminous with calorific
values ranging from 16 to 27 MJ/kg. In addition, Kenya
recently joined the league of potential oil producers
in the world by announcing discovery of massive oil
deposits in the Turkana Basin.

Solar Energy
Kenya’s ideal location around the equator receives
a considerable amount of solar radiation and thus
possesses an increased solar power potential.
However, with all this potential, little has been done in
relation to harnessing the potential and the country is

still grappling with inadequate power and high costs.

Wind Energy
The wind regimes in many parts of Kenya especially
the northern and eastern regions such as Marsabit,
Ngong and the Coastal region can support large scale
utility electricity generation as these regions enjoy
extremely good annual mean wind speeds in the
range of 6-10 m/s throughout the year.

At 100m height, it is observed that Marsabit County
has the largest potential area with a maximum of
mean annual wind speed of 9.27m/s and minimum
of mean annual wind speed of 5.32 m/s followed by
similar wind speeds in Turkana County in Rift Valley
province.2

The Lake Turkana Wind Power Project
The Lake Turkana Wind Powered Project targets to
produce 310MW of reliable, low cost wind power to
the Kenya national grid, equivalent to approximately
20% of the current installed electricity generating
capacity. The wind farm site covers 162kms and is
located in Loiyangalani, Marsabit County.

The project received the African Renewables Deal
of the year 2014 at the IJ Global Awards 2014 Europe
and Africa, which was held at the National History
Museum, London.3

2.5 Population and
Demographic Trends

2.5.1 Overview

Population and demographic characteristics analysis
is an integral part in planning. Planners are able to
successfully implement plans if they can develop
programs that meet the present and the future
needs of the different segments of the population.
Planners need to study the changes in composition
of the population in order to plan for socio-economic
development projects.

Population Size and Growth
The country’s Population has been steadily growing
from 10.9 million in 1969 to 38.6 million according to the
2009 Census and was projected to be approximately
48.8 million in 2016 (see Figure 2.1). The growth has
been steadily rising despite a stagnant growth rate
of 3.4 per cent in the inter-censual period of 1969-79
and 1979-89, and a reduction in the period 1989-99

2 Wind Sector Prospectus, Ministry of Energy
3 L. Turkana Wind Power website, Kenya


24
at 2.9 per cent. The growth rate pattern is reflected
in the different regions of the country apart from the
North Eastern region where a peculiar phenomenon
has been observed; the growth rate doubled in the
inter-censual period of 1999-2009.

In 2014, the population of Kenya was estimated at
approximately 40 million with annual growth rate of
3.4%. By 2020, the projected population is estimated
to be approximately 55.8 million by the year 2020, 77.5
million by the year 2030 and 111 million by year 2045.

The Kenya Vision 2030 envisages a country with “a
high quality of life” premised on the welfare of the
populace. NSP being an integral part of achieving
the Vision aims at improving the quality of life hence
it is important to understand the fundamentals and
dynamics of the population being planned for.

Population Distribution and Density
Distribution
Population in the country is unevenly distributed
as some areas are densely populated than others
(see Map 2.4). The largest population of Kenya is
concentrated in the central and the western parts of
the country. The most populated counties include
Nairobi (3,138,369), Kakamega (1,660,651) and Kiambu
(1,623,282) while the less populated counties include
Lamu (101,184), Isiolo (143,294) and Samburu (223,947)
(KNBS, 2009). Other statistics of population in each
County are provided in the annex. Age-wise the
population cohort under the age of 15 constitutes
40% of the total population. The percentage of

individuals under the different age cohorts decreases
as age increases as depicted in the population pyramid
below (Figure 2.2).

This shows that the demand for facilities and services
serving the young generation is high as compared
to the aged. The implications for spatial growth at
regional, county and local levels indicate that lower
level plans require to propose and to aim to provide
the requisite community facilities and social services
to serve the population cohorts, particularly those
in the lower generation (0-24 years) and those in the
active working age cohorts (25-59 years).

Population Density
According to the Kenya Housing and Population
Census (2009), Kenya’s population density was at
66 persons per square kilometer (see Map 2.5). On
average the figure is expected to have risen due to the
increased population growth. Counties of high density
include, Nairobi (4515), Mombasa (4292), Vihiga (1045)
and Kisii (675) regions where else counties of low
density include Isiolo (6), Tana River (6) and Marsabit
(4). The increased population densities in the rich
agricultural areas exert pressure on natural resources
such as water and forests and catapult into negative
land use practices such as land fragmentation and
land degradation. The concentration of population in
the high and medium potential zones has adversely
affected, not only per capita land availability but also
other natural resources and infrastructural facilities.
These areas are also associated with high urbanization
levels, such as Nairobi.

Figure 2.1: Growth of Population over the Years

Source: National Department of Physical Planning, 2015

0
Yr 2009

High 3.0%

Low 2.8%

High 3.0%

M
ill

io
n

s

Population Projection

Low 2.8%

104,340,90,884,079,162,968,953,460,060,752,314,845,567,938,610,0

111,902,96,528,383,266,171,826,161,957,853,445,446,102,438,610,0
Yr 2015 Yr 2020 Yr 2025 Yr 2030 Yr 2035 Yr 2040 Yr 2045

20

40

60

80

100

120


25

0-4

20 15 10 5 0 5 10 15 20

5-9

10-14

15-19

20-24

25-29

30-34

35-39

40-44

45-49

50-54

55-59

60-64

65-69

70-74

75-79

80+
Age

Males

Percent

Females

2.5.2 Urban Population Demographic Trends

The Kenya urban population in 2009 stood at 31.3%
and it has been steadily rising as reflected by a
growth rate of 4.4%. Kenya Vision 2030 estimates
that over 50% of the total population will be living in
urban areas by the year 2030. The urban areas should
therefore be well planned and provided with the
requisite infrastructure and services to take care of
the rising urban population. Figure 2.3 illustrates the
urban population trends in Kenya as from the year
1960.

2.5.3 Demographic Trends

i. Literacy Rates
In 2014, Kenya’s literacy levels were estimated to be
90.1% (KNBS, 2014). However, this has not translated
into high employment rates partly due to limited
industrial needs and unmatched skills.

Generally, literacy declines with age and also varies
by place of residence as shown in the table below.
Ninety-four (94%) percent of women residing in urban
areas are literate, as compared to 84 percent of rural
women. Regional differences are notable, with the
proportion of literate women being highest in Nairobi
(97 percent) and lowest in North Eastern (24 percent).

Literacy increases with wealth; virtually all women (97
percent) in the highest quintile are literate, compared
with 58 percent of women in the lowest quintile.

Men are more likely to be literate than women. The
table below shows that 92 percent of men aged
15-49 are literate, not much of a difference from the
91 percent figure reported in the 2008-09 Kenya
Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS). The pattern
of literacy among men is similar to that of women.
However, there are marked differences between
men and women across age groups. Ninety-one (91)
percent of men aged 45-49 are literate, as compared
with 78 percent of women in the same age group.
The absolute difference in urban-rural literacy among
men (8 percentage points) is slightly lower than that
among women (10 percentage points). Men in the
North Eastern region are more likely to be illiterate (32
percent) than those in the other regions.

ii. Mortality Rates
The estimated number of deaths in Kenya was
366,000 persons in 2013 (WHO Statistical Profile).
Communicable diseases caused 64% of these deaths
while injuries accounted for about 10%. Geographic
and sex/gender factors are amongst the influencers of

Figure 2.2: Kenya’s Population Pyramid

Source: National Coordinating Agency for Population and Development, 2016


26
Map 2.4: Kenya’s Population Distribution Pattern

Source: Department of Physical Planning, 2016 (Population Data from Kenya Housing and Population Census, 2009)


27
Map 2.5: Density of Population for the Country

Source: Department of Physical Planning, 2016


28
Figure 2.3: Kenya Urban Population Trends

Source: World Development Indicators July 2016

mortality. Infant mortality, for instance is remarkably
lower in Nairobi and Central Kenya whereas they have
consistently remained high in Western, Coast and
Nyanza (see Table 2.1).

Despite advances in provision of healthcare,
communicable diseases and maternal complications
before, during or after birth have continued to fuel the
mortality rates in the country. Immunisable diseases
are also an element in the prevalence of under-
five Infant Mortality Rates(IMR) as are nutritional
deficiency problems.

According to the Kenya Demographic and Health
Survey of 2014, men have a slightly higher mortality
rate compared to females; 4.78 for men versus 3.72 for
women per 1000 population.

Malaria, pneumonia, HIV/AIDs and cancer have
consistently been cited as the major causes of death.
Government programs to combat tuberculosis
have had positive results even though it still causes
significant mortalities.

Table 2.1: IMR by regions (former provinces), 2008/09

Region
Infant Mortality Rate Under-five Mortality Rate

1998 2003 2008-09 1998 2003 2008-09

Nairobi 41 67 60 66 95 64

Central 27 44 42 35 54 51
Coast 70 78 71 96 116 87
Eastern 53 56 39 78 84 52
Nyanza 135 133 95 199 206 149
Rift Falley 50 61 48 68 77 59
Western 64 80 65 123 144 121
North Eastern na 91 57 na 163 80
National average 71 77 52 105 115 74

Source: Kenya Health Policy, 2014-2030

5
1960 1964 1958 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

25.6

25.2

24.8

24.4

24.0

23.6

23.2

22.8

22.4

22.0

21.7

2004 21.3

1.69%

Date Value Change, %

1.68%

1.68%

1.68%

1.68%

1.67%

1.68%

1.69%

1.70%

1.71%

1.71%

10

15

20

%

25

30


29
iii. Morbidity
Kenya faces challenges of emerging and re-emerging
diseases (see Figure 2.5). Tuberculosis (TB) has
resurfaced as a major cause of ill health. While HIV
prevalence has been steadily declining, with a
prevalence rate of 5.6% in 2012, the number of those
infected continues to increase, with the new infections
standing at 106,000 in 2012.

The disaster-prone environment in the arid and
semi-arid regions of the country, and the lush but
malaria-prone regions in other parts of the country, all
have unique health risks associated with them (Kenya
Health Policy 2014-2030).

Lifestyle diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart
ailments are fast becoming significant causes of
morbidity in the country. In addition, the country
faces an increasing health burden from injuries and
non-communicable diseases, which are exacerbated
by the negative underlying social health determinants
in the country.

Major health determinants in the country include
literacy levels; nutrition; and access to safe water,
adequate sanitation, and proper housing, roads
and infrastructure among others. For instance, the
literacy levels of women have a strong correlation

with a child’s health and survival (Kenya Health Policy
2014-2030). Areas with poor access to clean water and
sanitation as well as poor housing conditions have
higher incidences of morbidity.

iv. Life Expectancy
Kenya’s life expectancy had been on the rise during
the periods between 1960 and 1990, rising from 46.7
to 59.4 respectively. However, it significantly dropped
in the period 1990-2000 to 52.3, an aspect which could
be attributed to the outbreak of HIV which severely
hit the country. Since 2000, the life expectancy
has largely been on the rise measured in 2012 at an
average of 61years (WHO Statistical Profile). Healthy
life expectancy at birth is much lower, at 53 years.

Generally, women are more likely to live longer than
men by four years.

v. Fertility and Crude Death Rates
In 2014, the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey
estimated the country’s fertility rate to be 3.9 % (see
Figure 2.7). It is further estimated that women living in
rural areas have 1.5 more children than those in urban
areas. Generally, though, the country’s fertility rate
has seen a steady decline.

Figure 2.4: Main Causes of Death in Kenya

Source: Kenya Economic Survey, 2015

2010

5,000

0

M
ala

ria

Pn
eu

m
on

ia

Ca
nc

er

HI
V/

AI
DS

Tu
be

rcu
los

is

An
ae

m
ia

Ot
he

r A
cc

ide
nt

s

Tra
�

c A
cc

ide
nt

s

He
art

D
ise

as
e

M
en

en
git

is

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

2011 2012 2013 2014


30

Y
ea

rs

60

20

0

40

80

- 20

0

- 40

- 60

- 80

2010

Both sexes Male Female

2012 2000 2012 2000 2012

+
+ +

+
+

+
Healthy life expectancy at birth

Lost healthy life expectancy

Fertility is also influenced by the level of education of
a woman as well as household wealth; women with
no education have an average of 6.5 children while
those with high school or college education have
3.0 children on average. Consequently, women from
wealthy households have an average of 2.8 children,
while those from poor homes have about 6.4.

There are stark disparities in the spread of fertility
throughout the country. For instance, women in Wajir
have an average of 7.8 births per woman compared to
2.3 in Kirinyaga (see Map 2.6).

Crude Death Rate, on the other hand, measures
the number of deaths occurring in a year, per 1,000

Figure 2.5: Burden of disease and premature mortality by broad causes

Source : WHO Statistical Profile

Figure 2.6: Healthy life expectancy at birth

Source: World Health Organization Statistical Profile

Note: lost healthy life expectancy is the sum total of years spent in poor health due to diseases, and/or disability as age advances.

Maternal, neonatal, nutritional

HIV, TB, malaria

Other infectious deseases**

Acute respiratory infections

Other NCDs*

Unintentional injuries

Neuro-psychiatric conditions

Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes

Cancers

Muscoloskeletal diseases

Chronic respiratory diseases

Suicide, homicide and con�ict

OK 2K 4K


31

2015*

‘000

2014201320122011

2,084.1

Modern Establishments - Urban and Rural Areas:

Wage Employees .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

Self- employed and unpaid family workers .. .. .. ..

Sub-Total

TOTAL .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

Informal Sector2 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

2,155.8 2,283.1 2,370.2 2,478.0

12,116.2 12,781.1 13,517.0 14,319.2 15,160.8

9,958.3 10,548.4 11,150.1 11,846.0 12,559.6

2,157.9 2,232.7 2,366.9 2,473.2 2,601.2

73.8 83.8 103.0 123.276.9

Fertility Trends

1977-78 KFS 1989 KDHS 1993 KDHS 1998 KDHS 2003 KDHS 2008-09 2014 KDHS

8.1
6.7

5.4
4.7 4.9 4.6

3.9

Births per woman for the three-year period before the survey

people. The difference between Crude Death Rate
and Birth Rate provides the rate of natural increase,
which is equal to the rate of population change in
the absence of migration. Crude death rate in Kenya
as per the World Bank was 8.19 % in 2013. In contrast
to registration of births which has seen a steady rise
in the county, documentation of death and its causes
has remained very low, especially in rural and marginal
areas.

vi. Employment
The Kenya Economic Survey of 2016, estimated that the
total employment population was 15,160,800 in 2015,
leaving out those engaged in pastoralism and small-
scale agriculture (see Figure 2.8). The informal sector
accounted for 82% of this population. Unemployment,
especially in the youth continues to be a big challenge

for the country as it places a lot of dependency on the
older population. 40% of the population is estimated
to be unemployed with a majority of them being the
youth; 80% of those unemployed are aged 35 years
and below.

The country’s rate of creation of jobs has remained
slow despite advances seen in sectors like mining and
industry (Figure 2.9).

vii. Poverty Distribution
Kenya is among the poorest countries globally
on welfare indicators. Approximately 45.9 % of
population lives below poverty line (see Figure 2.10).
Incidence of poverty is higher in rural areas than urban
(49.1% and 33.7% respectively). In 2007, the number of
poor people was estimated at 18.2 million, rising to

Figure 2.7: Fertility Trends in Kenya 1977-2014

Source: Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, 2014

Figure 2.8: Total Recorded Employment, 2011 – 2014

Source: Kenya Economic Survey, 2015


32
Map 2.6: Kenya fertility Rate by County

Source: Kenya Demographic Health Survey, 2014


33

Year

n
u

m
b

er
o

f N
ew

J
o

b
s

‘0
00

2010

59.3
49.4

7.8
2.3 4.0 3.1

21.2

6.9

19.2

17.5

69.6

106.3

134.3

106.2

52.8

74.7

44.4

71.9

18.8

-

20.0

40.0

60.0

80.0

100.0

120.0

140.0

160.0

2011 2012 2013 2014

Total Formal

Self Emp

Private
Public

19.5 million and later 20.1 million in 2008 and 2010,
respectively. This poverty trend could be attributed
to the 2007/2008 post-election violence and low and
un-redistributive economic growth.

Poverty density ‘hotspots’ are distributed unevenly
across the country but tend to concentrate in the
ASAL and western regions of the country. With the
country facing a rapidly urbanizing population at the
rate of 32 per cent without attendant jobs and services

in urban areas, this has led to the urbanization of
poverty widely depicted in urban slums and informal
settlements.

2.5.4 Socio-Cultural Aspect

Kenya is blessed with a variance in terms of communities
with diverse cultural practices. These practices have
impacted on how land is owned and used. Land is
regarded not simply as an economic or environmental

Figure 2.9: Creation of new jobs, 2010-2014

Source: Kenya Economic Survey, 2015

Figure 2.10: Population and Poverty Trends, 2006 - 2012

Source: Kenya Economic Survey, 2013

Year

P
er

ce
n

ta
g

e

M
ill

io
n

s

2006
43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45
38.6

17.8

46.1

18.1

48.8

50.8 50.5
49.8 49.7 49.8

19.4 19.9 20.1 20.6 21.1

37.2 38.3 39.4
40.4 41.4

42.4

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Total Population Poor Population Poverty headcount


34
asset, but as a social and cultural resource, it remains
an important factor for social identity, the organization
of religious life and the production and reproduction
of culture. The link across generations is ultimately
defined by the complement of land resources which
families, lineages and communities share and control.

Due to the cultural orientation of some communities
particularly those in arid and semi-arid areas, it has been
difficult to bring about agricultural transformation
as pastoralism has continued to be practiced. In the
high potential areas, the challenge presents in the
form of land sub divisions for inheritance purposes
thereby impacting on productivity of the land. These
practices are not sustainable in view of the increasing
population.

2.6 Economic Performance
and Prospects

2.6.1 Overview

Under Kenya Vision 2030, Kenya aims to increase
annual GDP growth rates to an average of 10% over
the vision horizon. If this goal is achieved, Kenya will
be the 5th country in the world to achieve such a high
level of sustained economic growth, considering the
current economic growth has been achieved primarily
through rapid utilization of existing capacity, rather
than efficiency gains or new investments. Achieving
the 10% growth will require an elaborate framework
and campaign to alleviate existing constraints to
future growth, and in particular to use our resources
more efficiently. To achieve that ambition a policy
framework to guide and coordinate socio-economic
and Physical development is fundamental.

The National Spatial Plan will enable all sectors of
the economy to plan future investment in a better-
informed way. This more articulate planning will
ensure more balanced regional development, a high
quality urban environment, as well as vibrant rural
areas.

2.6.2 Economic Trends

i. International Scene
The global economy registered a growth of 3.3 per
cent in 2013 and 2014. This growth was spurred by
a fall in crude oil prices, lower inflation rates and
increased internal demands in individual economies.
Slowed growth in global trade reflects the reduction
in import demand, especially in advanced economies.
Growth in Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) rose from 4.4 per
cent reported in 2013 to 5.1 per cent in 2014 but slowed
again to 3.8% in 2015 due to a decline in commodity

prices and weak global economic performance. The
highest growths in 2014 were recorded in West African
Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and the East
African Community (EAC) at 6.6 per cent and 5.8 per
cent, respectively. Tanzania and Rwanda recorded the
highest growth rates of 7.2 per cent and 6.0 per cent,
respectively (Kenya Economic Survey, 2016).

Compared with other global economies, Kenya’s
economy has largely stagnated and/or delayed
reaching the crucial economic-takeoff stage. Figure
2.11 compares the country’s GDP per capita growth
since independence with that of China and India over
the same period of time.

Since the start of economic reforms in 1979, China
has maintained a GDP growth rate of approximately
9 percent per year. The main factors that led to
China’s rapid economic growth are cheap labour,
agricultural reform leading to opening up of the
economy to foreign investors, government policy,
foreign investment in technology and investments
in education. In India, impressive economic growth
was largely attributable to economic liberalization
in mid-1980s which began opening up its market
slowly. The policy played a huge impact on the
economic development of India. The Indian economic
development received a boost through its economic
reform in 1991 and again through its renewal in the
2000s. Since then, the face of economic development
of India has changed completely.

Kenya needs to draw lessons from these country’s
development paths in order to chart her own
development path.

Kenya’s Economic Performance in relation
to East and Southern Africa countries
Within the EAC, the Kenyan economy is more dynamic
than those of other member countries. The country’s
economy enjoys higher investment flows and trade.
This may be attributed to its more advanced human
capital base, its more diversified economy, and its
role as a leader in the information communication
revolution in the region, Kenya’s economy is expected
to remain strong, creating valuable benefits to the
other member countries. The prospects for a strong
economy are boosted by recent institutional reforms
that culminated in the enactment of the Constitution
in 2010 that provides for a devolved governance
system.

Kenya’s economic dominance in the region is based
on a strong private sector that has evolved under
relatively market-friendly policies for most of the post-
independence era. Kenya’s record of relative political
stability and its lack of dramatic ideological shifts


35

-
500

19
64

19
65

19
66

19
67

19
68

19
69

19
70

19
71

19
72

19
73

19
74

19
75

19
76

19
77

19
78

19
79

19
80

19
81

19
82

19
83

19
84

19
85

19
86

19
87

19
88

19
89

19
90

19
91

19
92

19
93

19
94

19
95

19
96

19
97

19
98

19
99

20
00

20
01

20
02

20
03

20
04

20
05

20
06

20
07

20
08

20
09

20
10

20
11

20
12

1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
4,000
4,500
5,000
5,500
6,000
6,500
7,000
7,500
8,000
8,500
9,000
9,500

10,000
10,500

Kenya
Constant GDP per capita PPP in 2012 US dollar

India China

over the same period have done much to cement its
position as depicted Figure 2.12.

ii. Domestic Scene
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated to have
expanded by 5.6 per cent in 2015 which was a slight
improvement compared to a 5.3 per cent growth in
2014. This growth was mainly supported by a stable
macroeconomic environment and improvement
in outputs of agriculture; construction; finance and
insurance and real estate. However, growth slowed
in a number of sectors including; information and
communication, mining and quarrying, and wholesale
and retail trade. Similarly, growth in taxes on products
slowed during the review period. The growth of
accommodation and food services contracted by 1.3
percent, a less less severe performance compared to a
revised decline of 16.7 per cent in 2014.

During the year key macroeconomic indicators
remained relatively stable and supportive of the
growth during the year under review. Overall inflation
eased from 6.9 per cent in 2014 to 6.6 per cent in 2015
mainly due to lower prices of energy and transport.
Monthly inflation rates fluctuated between 5.5 per
cent and 8.0 per cent but were largely contained
within the Central Bank’s target throughout the year.
Generally, the Shilling depreciated against its major
trading currencies as reflected by the weighted trade
index which worsened by 5.7 per cent during the
review period. The Shilling was mainly supported

by a significant fall in the international oil prices as
the country cut-back expenditure on importation of
petroleum fuels and increased diaspora remittances.
However, lower earnings from the tourism sector
impacted negatively on the exchange rate of the
Shilling in 2015.

Kenya’s economic growth has been characterized by
frequent episodes of stagnant and erratic growth.
A study conducted by KIPPRA in 2012 on Kenya’s
Economic Transformation reveals that the pace has
been comparatively slow and below potential owing
to poor governance practices, corruption, poor
economic policies, political instability and diseases.
In addition, Kenya’s growth was disrupted by drought
and the global financial crisis in 2008.

Following an economic stimulus program coupled by
recovering international market and improved rainfall,
the economy turned around to grow at 2.6% in 2009 and
5.8% in 2010. GDP growth slowed to 4.4% in 2011 due
to high international oil and food prices, depreciation
of Kenya shilling and inflation (UNCTAD, 2013). Between
2011 and 2012, the GDP expanded by 2.2 to grow at 4.6
per cent (Kenya Economic Survey, 2013). The figure
below illustrates the growth trend between 2006 and
2012 using annual average growth rates.

Figure 2.11: Kenya’s Economic Performance compared to that of India and China

Source: Kenya Economic Survey, 2015


36

$0
1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2016

$500

$1,000

$1,500

$2,000

Kenya

Tanzania

Rwanda
Uganda
Mozambique

Malawi

Burundi

2.6.3 Major Drivers of the Economy in Kenya

The major drivers of the economy in Kenya are
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, Construction,
Wholesale and retail trade, Transport and Storage,
Hospitality (Hotel and catering), Manufacturing and
Finance and Insurance. Other drivers are as shown in
Table 2.2.

2.6.4 Constraints to Economic Growth

Over the last 10 years, Kenya’s economic performance
has been oscillating and unstable. This poses a serious
challenge to realization of the targeted 10% GDP growth
rate per annum for a period of ten years (economic
take-off) in line with the Kenya Vision 2030. Secondly

Figure 2.12: Comparison of Kenya’s GDP with other Countries

Source: IMF Forecast, 2014

Figure 2.13: Kenya GDP Growth Rate 2011 - 2015

Source:Kenya Economic Survey, 2016

2011
-

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

2012 2013 2014 2015

6.1

4.6

5.7
5.3

5.6

GDP Growth Rate


37
the overreliance on agriculture which also fluctuates
depending on the weather patterns exacerbates the
concern. Export of unprocessed agricultural products,
poor marketing systems, and unexploited resource
potentials particularly in tourism, mining, and livestock.
Poor governance has also impacted negatively on the
country’s economic growth.

The NSP aims to develop policies and measures
that will spur a positive shift in the sector such as:
establishment of fertilizer factories to reduce the cost
of agricultural inputs, increase investment in irrigation
to reduce dependency on rain fed agriculture and
increase the area of land under crop production and
to ensure that each county has at least one agricultural
value addition processing plant. The Plan advocates
for creation of an integrated and efficient transport
system, improvement of the urban areas as means of
attracting and retaining investment.

In terms of Balance of Payments, Kenya imports more
than it exports in terms of value therefore remaining
with a trade deficit. The main reason for this is that
Kenya exports mainly unprocessed agricultural
products such as tea, coffee and horticulture and

imports high-value products such as machinery and
other capital equipment, fuel and lubricants and
non-food industrial supplies. This justifies the NSP
proposal to plan for value-addition processing plants
in all production and manufacturing.

2.6.5 Opportunities and Potentials for Economic
Growth

Historically, Kenya has performed dismally in
attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) but the
country started experiencing an increase in FDI
inflow since 2006 due to advancement in ICT which
contributed significantly to job creation as well as the
robust promotion of Kenya as a preferred investment
destination. This indicates that there is a large
unexploited potential for FDI in Kenya which can be
tapped through setting aside land for the investment.
NSP will endeavor to ground Vision 2030 proposals
that support FDIs such as SEZs, EPZs and other free
trade zones and parks.

Kenya is also taking advantage of its location – as it
is increasingly considered as a regional hub for trade,
communications and finance in East Africa. Policies

Table 2.2: Percentage Contribution to GDP

Sector 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Agriculture, forestry and fishing 26.3 26.1 26.4 27.3 30.0

Mining and quarrying 0.9 1.1 0.9 0.8 0.9

manufacturing 11.8 11.0 10.5 10.0 10.3

Electricity supply 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.0 1.0

Water supply; sewerage, waste management 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.8

Construction 4.4 4.5 4.5 4.8 4.8

Wholesale and retail trade; repairs 8.1 7.8 8.0 8.0 7.5

Transport and storage 7.1 8.0 7.9 8.6 8.4

Accommodation and food service activities 1.3 1.3 1.2 0.9 0.8

Information and communication 1.6 1.6 1.4 1.2 0.9

Financial and insurance activities 5.7 5.9 6.6 6.8 6.9

Real estate 8.1 8.0 7.9 7.7 7.6

Professional, scientific and technical activities 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.9

Administrative and support service activities 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0

Public administration and defence 4.3 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.0

Education 5.3 5.4 5.3 5.2 5.0

Human health and social work activities 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.7 1.7

Arts, entertainment and recreation 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

Other service activities 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6

Activities of households as employers 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5

Financial Intermediation Services Indirectly Measured (FISIM) -2.4 -2.6 -2.6 -2.5 -2.7

All economic activities 89.9 89.9 89.6 90.3 91.1

Taxes on products 10.1 10.1 10.4 9.7 8.9

GDP at market prices 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.

Source: Economic Survey, 2016


38
geared towards developing functional human
settlements, efficient and integrated transport and
communication network to support regional financial
hub(s) must be formulated. In addition, improving the
logistics framework including the Port of Mombasa,
LAPSSET, the Standard Gauge Railway and the
Northern Transport Corridor shall be incorporated in
the national spatial framework including projection
on implications on the land values and use.

2.7 Transport and
Infrastructure

2.7.1 Transport

Transportation is a key element in the economic
growth of any nation. It improves the access into
different regions through connectivity and thus
easing the movement of goods and people. The
transportation system in Kenya is classified into road,
rail, air, water and pipeline transport (see Map 2.7). Of
all these, road transport is the most commonly used
mode of transport throughout the country.

From an analysis of the transport network, roads
comprise of a total length of 160,886 kms of which
11,189kms is paved and 149,689kms is unpaved. The
country boasts of a total of 181 aerodromes with 16
having paved runways and 165 unpaved runways.
The railway network has a total coverage of 2,778kms.
Pipeline transport on the other hand has a total length
of 1,224km and the country has two main ports,
Mombasa seaport and the inland port at Kisumu.

Kenya’s transport network however is disjointed
(lack of intermodal interchange) hence each mode
of transport operates independently which impacts
negatively on her economic growth and hence the
need for an integrated national transport system
(INTS). This need has been highlighted in Kenya’s
Vision 2030 and supported by the requirement for the
preparation of a fifty (50) year National Transportation
Master Plan as one of the identified flagship projects.
INTS include the integration of the following:-

i. The integration of public transport information;

ii. The physical integration of public transport
services;

iii. The integration of infrastructure provision,
management and pricing for public and private
transport;

iv. The integration of passenger and freight
transport;

v. The integration of (transport) authorities.

vi. The integration of supra-national, national,
regional transport systems to foster and facilitate
economic linkages with EAC, COMESA and IGAD
member countries

i. Road Transport
Road transport is the predominant mode of transport
in Kenya. Approximately 93% of all cargo and
passenger traffic in the country is transported using
this mode. According to the Kenya Roads Board, the
total road network for the country is estimated to be
160,886 km, of which, 35% is classified. The, roads
are classified into six categories (Classes A to E) and
Special Purpose Roads (see Table 2.3).

Table 2.3: Kenya Road Classification

Road Category Paved (Km) Unpaved (Km) Total (Km)

A (International
Trunk Roads)

2,772 (77%) 816 (23%) 3,588

B (National Trunk
Roads)

1,489 (56%) 1,156 (44%) 2,645

C (Primary Roads) 2,693(34%) 5,164(66%) 7,857

D (Secondary
Roads)

1,238(12%) 9,483 (88%) 10,721

E (Minor Roads) 577 (2%) 26,071 (98%) 26,649

SPR (Special
purpose)

100 (1%) 10,376 (99%) 10,476

U (Unclassified) 2,318 (2%) 96,623 (98%) 98,941

TOTAL 11,189 (7%) 149,689
(93%)

160, 886

Source: KeNHA, 2014

Other categories are Primary (Class C) Roads that
link regionally important centres to each other or to
higher-class roads; Secondary (Class D) Roads that link
locally important centers to each other, or to more
important centres or to a higher class road, Minor
(Class E) Roads that are any roads that link to a minor
centre; Special Purpose (Class F) Roads that include
tourist, township, agriculture and strategic purposes
and Unclassified Roads (Class U) Roads that constitute
all other public roads and streets.

Road classification was proposed in NUTRANS in 2006.
In 2009, Kenya Roads Classification Manual was issued
by the Ministry of Roads. The classified existing road
network is shown in Table 2.4. Future road network in
2030 will be defined taking account the provisions of
the manual shown in Table 2.5.

International Trunk (Class A) roads link centres of
international importance and cross international
boundaries or terminate at international ports e.g.
Mombasa port. This class comprises seven corridors
with an approximate length of 3,755 km of which
2,886 km are paved and 869 km are unpaved (see
Table 2.5).


39

Only A104 and A109 have a prominent international or
port-connecting function at present. Most transport
activities are concentrated along the Northern Corridor
which comprises of A109 and A104 terminating at Athi
River which connects the seaport of Mombasa to
Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu and Eldoret and the border
towns of Malaba and Busia. The southern segment
of the A104 (Namanga to Athi River) links up with A2
within Nairobi and proceeds to the Ethiopian border
at Moyale. This constitutes part of the Great North
Road from Cairo to Gaborone.

National Trunk (Class B) Roads comprise those
linking centres of national importance. The network
comprises of 10 defined links with a total length of
2,645 km of which 1,489 km are paved.

Road transport is utilized by various types of vehicles
majorly by private vehicles whose numbers are way
above public service vehicles (buses and matatus). An
analysis of vehicle types on Nairobi roads is depicted
in Figure 2.14.

Recent surveys indicate that about 50% of the road
network is in good condition while the balance

requires rehabilitation. Funds for development,
rehabilitation and maintenance are inadequate. Other
problems within the road transport sector include;
inefficient road transportation systems, inadequate
and unevenly distributed road network, poor traffic
management, lack of a public transport system, lack
of bus-only, cycling, walkways lanes and dedicated
emergency lanes.

ii. Rail Transport
Railway transport is the second most important mode
of transport in Kenya after road transport for both
freight and passenger services. Kenya has a railway
network of 2,778 km comprising 1,083 km of mainline,
346 km of principle lines, 490 km of minor and branch
lines and 859 km of private lines and sidings. The
railway system has a design speed of 60 kph and 80
kph for freight and passenger trains respectively, with
potential to handle cargo of up to 7 million tons per
annum. Plates 2.1 and 2.2 illustrate contemporary
advancements towards improving railway services for
goods and passenger transport.

Table 2.4: Road Classification and Definition

International Highway Roads forming strategic routes and corridors, connecting international boundaries and international
terminals such as international ports. (Class A, Class B of the manual)

Major Arterial Road Roads linking district headquarters and other major designated towns to the higher level network
or to each other. Roads for through traffic and relatively long distance movements between widely
separated parts of the town or city. (Class C and Class H)

Minor Arterial Road Minor arterials provide the main means of moving between different zones of the urban area. (Class J)

Collector Road Collectors provide the link between arterials and local roads, distributing traffic to residential and other
defined zones. (Class K and Class L)

Local Road Roads providing direct access to groups of residential properties, suitable for motorized transport.
Roads providing direct access to social or economic activity, including industrial and commercial
areas and government institutions. (Class M, Class N and Class P)

Source: Nairobi Masterplan (JICA Study team, 2014)

Table 2.5: International Trunk Roads

Road Class Length (Km) Link Surface Type

A1 886 Isebania - Kisumu - Kitale -South Sudan
Border

Bitumen

A2 833 Nairobi-Thika-Isiolo-Moyale (Ethiopia
border)

Bitumen (From Nairobi to Isiolo-(Merile))

Under construction (from Isiolo to Moyale)

A3 556 Thika-Garissa-Somalia border (Liboi) Bitumen (From Nairobi to Garissa)

Gravel (From Garissa to Liboi)

A104 648 Uganda border (Malaba) – Nakuru –Nairobi
- Athi River -Tanzania border (Namanga)

Bitumen

A109 473 Athi River - Mombasa Bitumen

A14 106 Mombasa - Tanzania border (LungaLunga) Bitumen

A23 114 Voi - Tanzania border (Taveta) Gravel

Source: KeNHA, 2015


Vehicle types on our roads

Private cars

Pickups/4WD

Matatus

Buses

Others23.0%

27.0%

36.0%

11.0%

3.0%

40

Currently, rail transport operations in Kenya are offered
by Rift Valley Railways and the Magadi Railways (MR).
The MR operates a line between Konza and Magadi
(146 km) on behalf of the Magadi Soda Company Ltd
while Rift Valley Railways (RVR) operate the rest under
concession based on leases of locomotives from
Kenya Railway Corporation (KRC).

iii. Maritime and Inland Water Transport
Maritime Transport System
The maritime transport system in Kenya consists
of one major seaport, Mombasa and other smaller
scheduled ports along the Kenyan coastline (namely,
Funzi, Vanga, Shimoni, Kilifi, Malindi, Lamu, Kiunga and

Mtwapa). Mombasa Port provides direct connectivity
to over 80 Ports worldwide and is linked to the vast
hinterland comprising Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi,
Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Northern
Tanzania, Southern Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia by
road. A railway line also runs from the Mombasa Port
to Uganda and Tanzania. Altogether, these countries
account for 27 per cent of the annual total cargo
throughput at the port. The port has 19 deep-water
berths; three handle containers and 13 conventional
cargo berths.

In 2015 the port posted a 6.3 per cent increase in
container volumes after handling 1,076,188 TEUs

Figure 2.14: Vehicle Types on Nairobi Roads

Source: Nairobi City County, 2015

Source: Adopted from Kenya Railways, 2015

Plate 2.1: Syokimau Railway Station


41
Map 2.7: Transport and Urbanization

Source: Department of Physical Planning, 2016


42
Plate 2.2: A section of the Standard Gauge Railway

Source: Kenya Railways, 2016

compared to 1,012,002 TEUs handled in 2014. Total
throughput recorded 26.732 million tons of cargo
in 2015 against 24.875 million tons handled in 2014
reflecting a growth of 7.5 per cent. A total of 22.676
million tons of cargo were imports while 3.534 million
tons were export commodities

This has been made possible through expansion and
modernization of the port through the construction
of the mega second container terminal. Once the
modernization project is completed it will make the
Port of Mombasa the largest port in the region with
about 2.5 million TEU capacity annually (Plate 2.3).

The Port of Mombasa faces the challenge of attracting
and handling increasing traffic within Kenya and from
the neighboring countries as well as international
traffic from outside the region. To mitigate the
challenge of increasing traffic, a second port has been
proposed at Lamu and is under construction. The
Lamu port, is expected to consist of 33 berths when
complete. It will be connected to Southern Sudan and
Ethiopia by rail, road and pipeline.

Inland Water Transport
In Kenya, inland water transport is underdeveloped
and underutilized. Lake Victoria with its potential
for inland water transportation particularly within
the East African region has not been fully exploited,
compared to Uganda and Tanzania. Ferry services on
Lake Victoria are in poor condition and inefficient.

The services are governed by outdated laws,
inappropriate institutional frameworks, inadequate
capital investments and poor safety standards.

iv. Pipeline Transport
The Kenya Pipeline Corporation (KPC) operates
a pipeline system for transportation of refined
petroleum products from Mombasa to Nairobi and
western Kenya towns of Nakuru, Kisumu and Eldoret.
It is responsible for the three pipelines namely the
450 km Mombasa-Nairobi, 325 km Nairobi-Eldoret,
and 121 km Sinendet-Kisumu that conveys Petroleum
products for internal consumption and export to
Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo
(see Table 2.6).

Table 2.6: Pipeline Lengths

Total Length (MSA-NBI-NKU- SINENDET-KSM-ELD)
1,2 24.45 Km

Section Length (Kms)

Shimanzi Spur Line 3.45

Mombasa-Nairobi 450

Nairobi-Eldoret 325

Nairobi-Eldoret(Line IV) 325

Sinendet - Kisumu 121

Source: Draft National Transportation Master Plan, 2015

It has supportive infrastructure in form of five storage
and distribution depots for petroleum products

National Spatial Plan, 2015-2045

66


Department of Physical Planning

Plate 2.2: A section of the Standard Gauge Railway


Source: Kenya Railways, 2016

Currently, rail transport operations in Kenya are offered by Rift Valley Railways and the Magadi

Railways (MR). The MR operates a line between Konza and Magadi (146 km) on behalf of the

Magadi Soda Company Ltd while Rift Valley Railways (RVR) operate the rest under concession

based on leases of locomotives from Kenya Railway Corporation (KRC).

iii. Maritime and Inland Water Transport
Maritime Transport System

The maritime transport system in Kenya consists of one major seaport, Mombasa and other

smaller scheduled ports along the Kenyan coastline (namely, Funzi, Vanga, Shimoni, Kilifi,

Malindi, Lamu, Kiunga and Mtwapa). Mombasa Port provides direct connectivity to over 80

Ports worldwide and is linked to the vast hinterland comprising Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi,

Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Northern Tanzania, Southern Sudan, Somalia and

Ethiopia by road. A railway line also runs from the Mombasa Port to Uganda and Tanzania.

Altogether, these countries account for 27 per cent of the annual total cargo throughput at the

port. The port has 19 deep-water berths; three handle containers and 13 conventional cargo

berths.


43

located in Eldoret, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nairobi and
Nakuru; and two aviation fuel depots at Jomo Kenyatta
International Airport, Nairobi, and Moi International
Airport, Mombasa.

The pipeline was intended to reduce road deterioration
of the Northern Corridor as a complementary mode of
transport for transporting petroleum products within
Kenya. Though the volume of petroleum products
transported through the pipeline has been on an
upward trend, it has faced stiff competition from road
and rail modes of transportation.

v. Air Transport
Kenya has a thriving and viable aviation industry
which is vital for the country’s development through
the provision of air transport services. The aviation
services facilitate passenger transport, support
tourism, horticulture and trade. There are more than
200 airports and airfields in Kenya, which comprise
5 international airports (JKIA, Mombasa, Eldoret,
Kisumu and Wajir), 35 airstrips and 160 airfields. Jomo
Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi is Kenya’s
largest airport and is undergoing massive expansion
to enable it cope with the increasing demand for air
transport. Kenya Airways, the national carrier, serves
more than 58 world destinations.

The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, is
Africa’s premier hub and ideal gateway into and out of
East and Central Africa (Plate 2.4). JKIA is the flagship
airport of country and boasts of over 40 passenger
airlines and 25 cargo airlines. Jomo Kenyatta

International Airport, is Kenya’s largest aviation facility
and the busiest airport in East Africa. Its importance
as an aviation center makes it the pace setter for other
airports in the region.

Non-Motorized and Intermediate Means
of Transport (NMIMT)
Beside vehicular transport, cycling and walking are
other means of passenger transport in urban areas.
Majority of the urban poor find public transport costly
and financially inaccessible and hence meet their
needs through walking and head loading. In addition,
there is poor modal interchange in all urban areas
including Nairobi prompting people to use NMIMT to
get to their destinations. It is estimated that 39% of
Nairobi City residents walk to their places of work as
shown in Figure 2.15.

Figure 2.16 illustrates the number of trips by travel
mode in Nairobi between the years 2004 and 2013.

Bicycles and motor cycle taxis - popularly known
as “bodaboda” are used to carry both goods
and passengers in many towns because they are
relatively available and efficient to use than formal
public transport vehicles. However, regardless of the
growing number of demand and use of bodaboda
taxis, their infrastructure (cycle lanes and cycle-
friendly crossing areas such as footbridges) have not
been provided. It lacks adequate designated areas for
parking, it is prone to weather vagaries and it lacks
general facilitation of the mode. This has led to their
operations near junctions, shoulders and road reserve

Plate 2.3: Mombasa Sea Port

Source: Department of Physical Planning, 2016


44

among other inappropriate sites which is unsafe for all
road users.

Use of human and animal drawn carts is also common
in urban areas to transport goods, water among
others. In some urban areas, there is use of rickshaws
(tuktuks) for public transport. However due to their
small size and instability, they are a major cause of
accidents.

Kenya’s rural areas that hold 66% of Kenya’s population
are major production regions where many national
socio-economic activities are based, especially in
agriculture, horticulture, livestock farming and fish
farming. Rural transport infrastructure which majorly
include local roads, tracks, footpaths, and bridges
used to access farms, markets, water supplies, schools,
and health facilities are in poor condition. Transport
services, both large-scale motorized means such as
trucks, buses, pickups, and cars, and intermediate
means such as handcarts, bicycles, motorcycles,

and animal-drawn carts, are often inadequate and
too expensive for rural inhabitants. In many areas
village transport primarily means people walking and
carrying (head loading).

Improving rural mobility to facilitate production of
goods, their transportation to the market and supply
to the urban population thus requires a combination
of appropriate transport infrastructure and better
transport services using affordable means of transport.

National Transportation Challenges and
Opportunities
Challenges
The main challenge facing road transport in Kenya is
the poor condition of the road surface. The bad state
of roads surfaces impact negatively on the efficiency
of movement and seamless integration with other
modes of transport. Most paved and unpaved
roads have deteriorated significantly due to lack of
maintenance while the overloading of heavy trucks

Plate 2.4: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Source: Kenya Airports Authority, 2016


45

2004

2013

W
al

k

M
at

at
u

B
u

s

R
ai

lw
ay

O
th

er
s

Unit: 1000 person trips

Tw
o

-w
h

ee
l

M
o

d
e

P
ri

va
te

c
ar

/
Ta

xi
/T

ru
ck

5

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

2,689

2,267
1,926

1,396

915
738

365

55

825

329
22 14 8

35

3,000

Figure 2.15: Comparison of Composition of Travel Mode between 2004 and 2013

Figure 2.16: Comparison of Number of Trips by Travel Mode between 2004 and 2013

Source: Nairobi Master Plan (JICA Study Team, 2014)

Source: Nairobi Master Plan (JICA Study Team, 2014)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

2004

2013 39.7% 5.4% 28% 12.2%13.5%

47.1% 1.2% 29.0% 6.8%15.3%

Walk

Two-wheel Mode

Private car/
Taxi/Truck

Matatu


46

has exacerbated conditions of the main transport
corridors.

Other challenges include:

i. Poor transport infrastructure;

ii. Missing links (poor connectivity);

iii. Poor quality of transport services;

iv. Inappropriate modal split;

v. Unexploited regional role of the transport system;

vi. Transport system not fully integrated;

vii. Urban environmental pollution;

viii. Lack of an urban/rural transport policy;

ix. Inadequate human resource capacity.

x. Uncontrolled motorcycle (bodaboda) services in
both rural and urban areas which is unregulated;

xi. Inadequate parking;

xii. Encroachment and/or grabbing of land meant to
serve as road reserves;

xiii. Inadequate or lack of terminal facilities
hence picking and dropping of passengers in
undesignated areas

2.7.2 Physical Infrastructure

Infrastructure is key to the achievement of the National
Spatial Plan objectives of global competitiveness,
regional balance and optimal utilization of land and
other resources. The Kenya Vision 2030 recognizes
infrastructure as one of the six foundations on
which the achievement of the economic, social and
political pillars will be anchored. The Vision aspires
for a country where water and sanitation facilities are
available to all.

i. Electricity
Kenya’s total installed electricity capacity increased

by 6.3 per cent to 2,333.6 MW, while total electricity
generation expanded by 4.1 per cent to 9,514.6 GWh
in 2015. Demand for electricity increased from 7,415.4
million KWh to 7,826.4 million KWh during the same
period. The number of customers connected under
the Rural Electrification Programme (REP) rose by
33.0 per cent to stand at 703,190 customers as at July
2015, up from 528,552 as at July 2014. In 2015, Rural
Electrification Authority financed electricity supply to
a total of 21,487 public primary schools, 17,809 on grid
and 3,678 on solar.

Kenya is highly dependent on hydroelectricity
with 75% of all electrical output (see Figure 2.17).
Kindaruma, Gitaru, Kamburu, Masinga and Kiambere
have a combined output of 403.2 MW. The Turkwel
Gorge has a capacity of 106 MW. An additional 30 MW
is drawn from the Owen Falls dam in Uganda. The
demand for electricity in Kenya is projected to grow
at 7% per annum over the next ten years. The natural
endowment of varied natural sources (wind, solar and
geothermal) is expected to help meet this demand
(see Table 2.8 and Map 2.8). The national connectivity
for electricity stands at 28%, the urban centres share
of this total is 54% as compared to the 22% for rural
areas.

Rural Electrification Programme
The national rural electrification programme is
envisioned to empower rural population in education,
health, lighting, modern farming, fish farming,
employment creation, security enhancement,
improvement in standard of living, among others. It
is further envisioned to increase the national power
generation and to provide the energy required to
accelerate growth and mobilize private sector capital
for generation of electricity from renewable energy.

Since its inception, the following facilities have
been connected; 9,415 Trading Centers; 6,647 Public
Secondary Schools and 3,276 Health Centers. This
has increased the connectivity coverage from 12% to
22%. To achieve electricity connection for all citizens

Table 2.7: Transport and Storage Indicators

Indicator Measure 2010 2011 2012 2013

Air passengers handled ‘000s 7,516 8,722 8,584 8,232

Air Freight handled ‘000 tonnes 247 304 295 262

Pipeline throughout ‘000 m3 4,204 4,257 4,856 5,171

Freight handled by KR ‘000 tonnes 1,572 1,596 1,394 1,214

Freight handled by KPA 18,977 19,953 21,920 22,307

Container Traffic at Sea Port TEUs 695,600 770,804 903,463 894,000

Ships Docking No. 1,579 1,684 1,763 1,768

Source: King’ori, 2007


47

by 2030, renewable and green energy resources
including solar, wind, geothermal and biomass should
be developed.

ii. Water
The Vision for the water and sanitation sector is “to
ensure water and improved sanitation availability and
access to all by 2030”. Kenya is a water-scarce country
with renewable fresh water per capita standing at
647 m3 (National Water master Plan, 2016) against the
United Nations recommended minimum of 1,000 m3.
This compares unfavorably with the neighbouring
countries of Uganda and Tanzania, which have per
capita levels of 2,940 m3 and 2,696 m3 respectively,
the water storage per capita in Kenya currently stands
at 8m3 which is far below the global standard of 16m3
water storage per capita. Individuals in urban areas
have one and half times more access to improved
water sources than their rural counterparts.

For decades, water scarcity has been a major issue
in the country, caused mainly by years of recurrent
droughts, poor management of water supply,
contamination of the available water, and a sharp
increase in water demand resulting from relatively
high population growth. The most recent official
estimates of access to water from the Government of
Kenya put water supply coverage at 42 percent and
sanitation coverage at 31 percent in 2006 (urban and
rural areas combined). The government target is to
achieve 76 percent in each case by 2015.

Kenya is divided into five drainage basins which
include; Lake Victoria, Rift Valley basin, Athi basin,
Tana basin and Ewaso Ngiro North basin. The water
distribution in the five basins is highly uneven with
the highest water availability in the Lake Victoria Basin
(more than 50%) and the lowest in the Athi Drainage
system. Only the Tana and Lake Victoria Basins, have
surplus water resources while the three other basins

Table 2.8: Renewable Energy Sources, their Locations and Potentials

Renewable Energy Potential Areas

Geothermal 7000MW (Installed 198MW) Rift Valley

Solar 4-6 kWh/m2/day Over 80%of land area

Wind 346 W/m2 Parts of Nairobi, Eastern, North Eastern and Coast

Small hydro 3,000 MW Five drainage basins

Biomass-Cogeneration 300 MW Sugarcane growing belt

Other Biomass; Biogas, power Alcohol,
biodiesel etc

300Mw Medium and high potential areas

Source: Renewable Energy Portal, 2016

Figure 2.17: Electricity Generation by Source

Source: Kenya Economic Survey, 2015

2010
0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

2011 2012 2013 2014

Co-generation
Total

Geothermal

Hydro

M
eg

aw
at

ts Thermal oil

GENERATION OF  ELECTRICITY  BY SOURCE,
2010‐2014


48
Map 2.8: Distribution of Energy Potentials

Source: Ministry of Energy, 2014


One of the flagship projects and initiative under
Kenya Vision 2030 is to increase water storage and
harvesting. Due to the critical importance of water
harvesting and storage in increasing the area under
irrigation and in flood control and water supply, the
Government aims to develop two multi-purpose dams
with storage capacity of 2.4 billion m3 along Rivers
Nzoia and Nyando. Construction of 22 medium-sized
multi-purpose dams with a total capacity of 2 billion
m3 will be undertaken to supply water for domestic,
livestock and irrigation use in the ASAL areas (Vision
2030). Table 2.10 shows the projected water demand
to meet the varied needs.

Water Sector Challenges
The water sector is faced with numerous challenges
which have impacted on the quantity, quality and
availability of this critical resource, catchment
encroachment and degradation is a major challenge
occasioned by deforestation which has resulted to
decreased water levels and high sediment loads in
rivers. Inappropriate agricultural practices coupled
with a lack of awareness on the part of the public
on proper water management has led to water
pollution and unsustainable use of water. Apart from
inadequate water sources, there is poor distribution
with very limited reticulation particularly in the urban
areas.

Water Demand

Table 2.10: Projected Water Demand (Million M3/year)

Water Demand 2030

Domestic 2,556

Industrial 250

Irrigation 7,550

Livestock 715

Wildlife 8

Fisheries 26

Total 11,105

Source: National Water Master Plan, Project Report 4, 2012

iii. Sanitation and Waste Management
Sanitation
Access to safe human waste disposal methods is
crucial for the health and wellbeing of a community.
Lack of access to safe human waste disposal facilities
leads to higher costs to the community through
pollution of rivers, ground water and higher incidence
of air and water borne disease.4

Liquid waste management through sewerage is
mainly used in urban areas and is characterized by low
network coverage (see Map 2.9). Nairobi, which is the

49
face deficits. Table 2.9 illustrates the annual renewable
surface water resources by catchment from the five
drainage basins.

Table 2.9: Annual Renewable Surface Water Resources by
Catchment in Million m3/year

Catchment CA (Km2)
Period

2010 2030 2050

L. Victoria
North

18.374 4,626 4,969 5,455

L. Victoria
South

31.734 4,773 5,749 7,005

Rift Valley 130.452 2,457 3,045 3,794

Athi 58.639 1,198 1,334 1,711

Tana 126.026 5,858 7,261 7,383

Ewaso Ng’iro
North

210.226 1,725 2,536 1,361

Total 575.451 20,637 24,894 26,709

Source: National Water Master Plan, Progress Report 4, 2012

Majority of people living in rural areas rely on springs,
rivers and streams as the main sources of water.
During the wet season, most households harvest
rainwater, though the water harvesting facilities and
methods are rudimentary at best. It is estimated that
only 23% of the population in the rural areas access
drinking water from a tap, while 8% harvest rain. In
times of scarcity, springs and wells account for up to
40% of source of drinking water.

The annual quantity of renewable fresh water
resources is estimated at 20.2 billion m3 comprising
19.59 m3 of surface water and 0.62 billion m3 of
ground water. Water availability and water service
provision is not developing with the pace of rapid
growth in urbanization, industrial production, tourism
and recreation services, agricultural and livestock
production. Nearly 43% of people in arid areas take
more than one hour to reach a water source in the dry
season; 24% take more than two hours. Water scarcity
does not only negatively affect peoples’ lives but has a
negative impact on the county’s overall development.

Rain Water Harvesting
Access to clean, running water is often taken for
granted, but in many dry parts of Kenya people have
to trek for hours every day to find small quantities
of water for drinking, cleaning and agriculture. Rain
water harvesting is considered a viable option in
complementing water supply from ground and
surface sources. Kenya experiences two rainy seasons
which can be tapped as a source of water for use
during the dry seasons.


50
capital city, has a network coverage of 47%, Mombasa
20% and the rest of the regional urban areas at below
20%. Most of the other urban areas are not supported
by a sewer network but depend on septic tanks and
pit latrine modes which are not sustainable. Most
of the sewerage treatment is undertaken by Water
Management Boards which rely heavily on the waste
stabilization ponds. There are 43 sewerage systems in
Kenya and waste water treatment plants in 15 towns
serving a paltry 7.2% of the total urban population.
The operation capacity of these wastewater treatment
plants is estimated at around 16% of design capacity
attributed to inadequate operation and maintenance,
inadequate water supply and low connection rates to
sewers. It is estimated that 19% of the wastewater that
enters the sewer network, only about 60% reaches
the treatment plants. Kenya’s position with respect to
sanitation has been deteriorating. About 64 percent
of Kenya’s population relies on traditional latrines for
sanitation, with a further 17 percent having access to
improved modes of sanitation and the remaining 18
percent practicing open defecation.

Solid Waste Management
Effective, efficient and cost economical waste
management facilities are crucial if industrial and
enterprise activity is to flourish and develop in a
balanced way across various regions of Kenya.

Solid wastes in the major urban areas are a by-product
of a broad spectrum of domestic, industrial, service
and manufacturing processes. Most of the urban
areas lack proper disposal sites and where they exist
they are poorly sited or the capacity is exceeded.
Solid waste management is a major challenge in the
urban areas particularly Nairobi and Mombasa which
are the major gateways to the country. To improve
the livability of these urban areas a lasting solution
to the solid waste issue has to be developed. The
NSP proposes that an environmentally sustainable
solution be developed.

iv. Information and Communication
Technology (ICT)

Kenyan ICT sector has registered substantial
growth due to competition introduced in most
market segments by the industry regulator, the
Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK). The
ICT sector has been growing favourably in keeping
with the rapidly changing global trends. The sector
encompasses telephony, ICT parks, internet, print
and electronic media. Prices for ICT services in Kenya
are relatively high. The calling and internet charges
are significantly higher in Kenya than in comparable
African countries.

Kenya has a 5,500 KMs of Fibre Optic Cable network.
The National Optic Fibre Backbone Infrastructure
(NOFBI) connecting the rest of the country to the
rest of the world from Mombasa is in place. The
government is also developing External National
Fibre Optic Network to all Cell sites in the country and
so far 20,000 Km have been completed.

ICT sector has been recognized as critical in enhancing
global competitiveness. The vision 2030 identified
the creation of ICT parks to position the country for
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). Konza Techno
City development will support the country to advance
in ICT integration.

The infrastructure sector therefore faces problems
regarding poor connection, low coverage, unreliability,
high costs, skewed distribution and low/surpassed
design. To rectify this situation clear indicative policy,
strategies and measures have to be developed and
implemented to achieve overall efficiency. Table
2.12 illustrates the proportion of population that has
access to some selected ICT services.

Table 2.11: Proportion of population that has access to selected
ICT services

Services Numbers

1. Mobile Subscriptions 33.6 million

2. Fixed Network Subscriptions 251,576 lines

3. Broadband subscriptions (speeds
greater or equal to 256kbps in or
out)

1,002,701 million

4. Internet penetration 41.1%

5. international internet used
bandwidth 328,641 Mbps

186 Mbps

6. International Internet Available
Bandwidth

906, 186 Mbps

7. Broadcasting Radio

Broadcasting Television

Number of Postal Outlets

99

16

634

Source: Adopted from Draft ICT policy, 2013

Bandwidth Speed
Internet users in Kenya represented 39.1% of the
country’s population, growing by 252.2% over the
prior 5 years. Speed test results for 2013 showed an
average of 0.80 Mbps download and 1.75 Mbps upload
speeds across all mobile, tablet, and desktop devices
tested. However, the speed has increased due to the
replacement of most GSM platforms in the Country
with first, second, third and in some places fourth
generation communication platforms. Safaricom
limited, Wananchi-ke, Communications Solutions
and Kenya Education Network are among the many
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) delivering broadband
to Kenya.

4 SDI-Society for International Development


51
Map 2.9: Status of Sewer Provision in Kenya

Source: Department of Physical Planning, 2016


52

Current ICT Initiatives and Projects
There are a number of ICT Initiatives and projects
ongoing in Kenya (see Table 2.13).

Table 2.13: Current and Past ICT Initiatives and Projects

Initiative Rationale

Pasha Centers
(Digital Villages)

To provide Internet access,
e-government services and other
e-services at the grassroots level via
public-private partnerships

Wezesha Was a Laptop Initiative to provide a
subsidy towards purchasing a laptop for
registered university students funded by
World Bank

Kenya Open
Data

Site for source of information about
Kenya

Konza
Technology Park

Aims to set up a technology park at
Konza as part of the Vision 2030 Flagship
Programmes. It connected in 2009

The main objective of developing an
ICT park is to enable job creation as well
as being an avenue for providing the
necessary environment for attracting
investments. It is anticipated that the
first phase of Konza City will create over
17,000 direct and indirect jobs

E-Government The e-Government Programme was
launched in June 2004. Some of the key
online services available through the
e-government initiative among others
include: Application of public service
jobs online, Tacking statutes of ID and
passports, submission of tax returns,
custom services and business licensing
e-registry.

Laptop
Programme for
Primary Schools

The Government of Kenya is already
rolling out a laptop programme for
primary school children estimated to
cost KES. 53 billion

Source: Kenya ICT Authority, 2013

Table 2.13 shows that the ICT initiatives include the
Laptop Programme for primary schools, Digital
Inclusion Projects (Pasha Centers/Digital Villages,
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Local Content

Programme (Tandaa Digital Content Grants, Open
Data Portal), Information Security and Other
Initiatives. Konza Technology Park, zero-rated taxes
on imported ICT hardware, Kenya Health Master
Facility, E-Government and Skills Programmes are
among other digital inclusion initiatives. Table 2.14
shows other government agency ICT initiatives aimed
towards providing e-government services.

ICT Compliant Sectors and Institutions in
Kenya
Information Communication Technology in Kenya
plays a key role in everyday lives of the people. Kenya
is one of the top 5 fastest growing nations in terms of
telecommunications and ICT infrastructure (see Map
2.10 showing the Communication infrastructure). Many
sectors and institutions have embraced the use of ICT
in improving service delivery. Some of the sectors
that are ICT compliant include telecommunication
industry, health, agriculture, finance, education, and
the Government. For instance, the Government has
adopted the use of ICT in finance by establishing
an Integrated Financial Management Information
Systems (IFMIS). Other ICT platforms established
by the Government include Huduma centres and
E-Citizen among others. Among others they include,
the use of mobile money transfer systems like M-Pesa,
Airtel Money and Equitel.

2.7.3 Social Infrastructure

Education
Higher education encompasses universities, technical,
industrial, vocational and entrepreneurship training.
These have been established without any rational
criteria and therefore unevenly distributed with most
of them located in the urban areas.

The first university was established in 1970 (The
University of Nairobi). The higher education sector
was liberalized in 1998 when the University of Nairobi
admitted its first set of self-sponsored students.

Table 2.12: Key Indicators of ICT

Indicator Measure 2010 2011 2012 2013

Fixed telephone lines per 100 inhabitants 1.2 1.0 0.6 0.5

Mobile –cellular subscription per 100 inhabitants 64.9 68.2 74.9 74.9

Wireless internet per 100 inhabitants 8.0 15.4 20.8 31.4

Wireless and Fixed per 100 inhabitants 8.1 15.7 21.0 31.7

Bits per second Bps/person 550.8 855.7 6,824.7 9,168.2

Wireless Broadband subscription per 100 inhabitants 0.2 0.3 2.4 3.3

Wireless Broadband subscription per 100 inhabitants 0.3 0.3 2.5 3.4

Mobile telephone Capacity ‘000 46,629 47,350 49,977 55,077

Source: Adopted from Draft ICT policy, 2013


53
Map 2.10 Kenya Communication Infrastructure

Source: Department of Physical Planning, 2016


54
Table 2.14: E-Government Services

Category Services Government Agency

Marriage Notice of Marriage

Issuance of a registrar’s certificate

Solemnization of marriage

Issuance of a marriage certificate

Commissioning of affidavits

Registrar of Marriages

Business Business Name Registration

Business Name Search

Registrar of Companies

Driving Provisional Driving License Driving Test Booking Interim Driving
License Driving License Renewal (1 Year Driving Class Endorsement
Duplicate Driving License Driving License Information Corrections

NTSA

Lands Official Search (Nairobi Blocks)

Land Rent Clearance Certificate Application for official copy

Ministry of Lands

Immigration Passport application for Adults

Passport Application for Children

Application for Kenyan Visa

Department of Immigration

Civil registration services Birth Certificate Late Birth Certificate Death Certificate Civil Registration Services

Source: Kenya E-Government Portal, 2016

There are 22 chartered public universities and 9
public university constituent colleges. Some of the
common courses and programmes offered in Kenyan
Universities include; ICT and engineering programs
in JKUAT University, teaching in Kenyatta University
as well as medicine and business in the University of
Nairobi.

Figure 2.18 illustrates the proportion of population by
education level in Kenya.

The number of education institutions have been rising
in number. By 2015, there were 923 and 222 public and
private tertiary institutions respectively (see Figure
2.19).

There has been improvement in enrollment (see
Figure 2.20). Unfortunately, transition is the problem.
For example, transition from primary to secondary
is very low. It also seems that access to ECD centers
is lower than primary school enrollment. This could
be attributed to low number of ECD centers which
probably are found mostly in urban areas whereas as
in most rural areas, nursery school is part of primary
enrolment.

Health Care
Health facilities are distributed regionally, with the
most sophisticated services available in the major
cities or only at the national level (see Table 2.15 and
Map 2.11). At the top of the service spectrum are the
National, Referral, and Teaching Hospitals (NRTH)
i.e. Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi and Moi
Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret. The next

best level of care is found in the provincial hospitals,
followed by sub-district hospitals. Beneath the sub-
district level, there are health centers, dispensaries,
and at the bottom of the heap, community health
organizations.

The distribution of health care facilities in rural areas
is uneven and people cover long distances to access
health care. The service provision in most areas in
rural Kenya is below standard where Public hospitals
are always in short supply of drugs and personnel.
The hospitals have inadequate requisite facilities like
ambulances and cold rooms.

Table 2.15: Health Facilities/Institutions

Type No.

National Referral Hospitals 4

Regional Level 5 Hospitals 12

Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes 410

Private Medical Clinics, Laboratories and
X-Ray Centres

1665

County Hospital 258

Dental Clinics 40

Eye Clinics/Optical shops 130

General Medical Clinics 1159

Herbal Medicine 57

Medical laboratories 170

Medical Training Institutions 38

Source: Kenya Medical Directory, 2016

There are private hospitals that offer services at
national and regional levels. Among them are the Aga


55

N
o

. o
f I

n
st

it
u

ti
o

n
s

Pre-primary Primary Secondary UniversitiesTertiary/Colleges

Public Private

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000
24862

22414

8297

923 23

15913

8919

1143
222 30

Figure 2.18: Proportion of Population by Education Level

Source: Economic Survey, 2015

Figure 2.19: Number of Education Institutions in 2015

Source: Economic Survey, 2016

0

10

20

30

40

50

60
P

er
ce

n
ta

g
e

None (%) Primary (%) Secondary (%)

Kenya Rural Urban


56

Khan University; Nairobi Women; Nairobi Hospital;
Gertrude Gardens Children; Kijabe Mission; Karen
Hospital; PCEA Kikuyu; Mediheal; Tenwek, etc.

Registered medical personnel have also been on the
rise which is necessary to provide health services to
the population. They are regulated by Kenya Medical
Practitioners and Dentist Board.

Sports, Culture and Arts
Sporting infrastructure is necessary for every
population. Sports is both a leisure and an economic
activity. For example, Kenya is on a global map
because of athletics. Currently, Kenya has two stadia
of international standards, that is, Moi International
Sports Centre and Nyayo Stadium.

The Moi International Sports Centre has a capacity of
60,000 people while Nyayo Stadium has a capacity of
30,000 people (Plates 2.5 and 2.6).

In realizing Vision 2030 flagship project for sports,
Kenya is in the process of establishing International
Sports academy and Regional Stadia through the
Sports Stadia Management Board.

Other facilities are being established in various regions
such as the High Altitude Training Centre in Iten.

National Museum
The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) is a state
corporation established by an Act of Parliament,
the National Museums and Heritage Act, 2006 no.
6 of 2006. NMK is a multi-disciplinary institution
whose role is to collect, preserve, study, document
and present Kenya’s past and present cultural and
natural heritage. This is for the purposes of enhancing

knowledge, appreciation, respect and sustainable.

The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) has established
museums in Nairobi, Tambach, Wajir, Rabai, Malindi,
Loiyangalani Desert, Hyrax Hill, Meru, Gede Ruins,
Kariandusi, Kabarnet, Kitale, Lamu, Narok, Kisumu,
Kapenguria, Karen Blixen and Nairobi Snake Park.

Kenya Cultural Centre/National Theater
The Kenya Cultural Centre was born out of an
ordinance in 1950 that affirmed a charter established
the previous year where the government of the day
sought to set up a inter racial cultural space for the use
and enjoyment of Kenyan citizens.

The Kenya Cultural Centre is responsible for the
development and promotion of the performance of
music, drama and dance, exhibition of works of art
and crafts, discussions on matters of literary, historical,
scientific or education interest or importance (Plate
2.7).

Apart from housing the largest proscenium stage in
Kenya, the Cultural Centre is also home to the Ukumbi
Mdogo- Concert Hall, Cheche Art Gallery and several
outdoor spaces (Mugumo Coutryard) that are used for
various performances and meetings.

Library Service
Provision of information for development through the
national and public library network enables people
to fight poverty deprivation and illiteracy and thus
supports reading and recovery programmes by the
government. Rural and urban poor communities are
better able to tackle their problems and introduce
social change if they have access to relevant
information that meets their needs and interests. In

Figure 2.20: Enrollment in Educational Institutions

Source: Economic Survey, 2016

N
o

. o
f S

tu
d

en
ts

ECD Primary Secondary Tertiary Private UniversitiesPublic University

Male Female

5127900

1607353
1348448

79846 257326 45259

1560502

4962900

1210533
52927 169708 40630

0

10000000

20000000

30000000

40000000

50000000

60000000


57
Map 2.11: Distribution of Health Facilities

Source: Department of Physical Planning, 2016


58
Plate 2.5: Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, Aquatic Stadium

Source: Sports Stadia Kenya, 2016

Plate 2.6: Nyayo National Stadium

Source: Sports Stadia Kenya, 2016

National Spatial Plan, 2015-2045

95


Department of Physical Planning

Plate 2.6: Nyayo National Stadium


Source: Sports Stadia Kenya, 2016

In realizing Vision 2030 flagship project for sports, Kenya is in the process of establishing

International Sports academy and Regional Stadia through the Sports Stadia Management Board.

Other facilities are being established in various regions such as the High Altitude Training

Centre in Iten.

National Museum

The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) is a state corporation established by an Act of

Parliament, the National Museums and Heritage Act, 2006 no. 6 of 2006. NMK is a multi-

disciplinary institution whose role is to collect, preserve, study, document and present Kenya’s

past and present cultural and natural heritage. This is for the purposes of enhancing knowledge,

appreciation, respect and sustainable.

National Spatial Plan, 2015-2045

94


Department of Physical Planning

Sports, Culture and Arts

Sports

Sporting infrastructure is necessary for every population. Sports is both a leisure and an
economic activity. For example, Kenya is on a global map because of athletics. Currently, Kenya
has two stadia of international standards, that is, Moi International Sports Centre and Nyayo
Stadium.

Plate 2.5: Kasarani Aquatic Stadium, Moi International Sports Centre


Source: Sports Stadia Kenya, 2016


The Moi International Sports Centre has a capacity of 60,000 people while Nyayo Stadium has a
capacity of 30,000 people (Plates 2.5 and 2.6).


59
addition, access to information about the country
enables citizens to participate effectively in the art of
governance.

At the moment, Kenya National Library Service has
established 59 library branches (21 at the County
headquarters, 38 community based). The network
serves 11million customers annually.

2.8 Land Use Patterns

2.8.1 Land Use

Historically, land use patterns in Kenya have largely
been determined by ecological factors, government
policies, socio-cultural practices, infrastructure
development and economic viability. Demographic
trends manifesting through instances of rapid
population growth and urbanization have also had a
major impact on the utilization of land in the country.
For example, huge chunks of prime agricultural land
have been changed into residential or industrial
spaces due to uncontained urbanization.

Presently, existing land uses can largely be classified
into the following categories;

i. Agricultural

ii. Pastoralism

iii. Conservation

iv. Human settlements

v. Industrial activities

vi. Transport and infrastructure

vii. Urban activities

The spread of these uses is uneven across the
country due to variations in climatic elements such
as temperature, rainfall, humidity, slope, and other
physical characteristics. The varying levels of adoption
of technology in different parts of the country have
also contributed to this unevenness.

Nevertheless, as earlier observed, changes in land
use patterns has been observed in many parts of the
country.

The main reasons for changes in land use patterns
include;

i. Increasing population leading to intensification
in use and fragmentation of land

ii. Rising demand for food and other cash crops

iii. Degradation due to exceeding the ‘natural
carrying capacity’ of land especially livestock
rearing in rangelands

iv. Deforestation especially of tropical forests

v. Increasing urbanization which increases the
urban ‘ecological footprint’

Plate 2.7: Kenya National Theater Main Auditorium

Source: Kenya Cultural Centre, 2016

National Spatial Plan, 2015-2045

96


Department of Physical Planning

The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) has established museums in Nairobi, Tambach, Wajir,

Rabai, Malindi, Loiyangalani Desert, Hyrax Hill, Meru, Gede Ruins, Kariandusi, Kabarnet,

Kitale, Lamu, Narok, Kisumu, Kapenguria, Karen Blixen and Nairobi Snake Park.

Kenya Cultural Centre/National Theater

The Kenya Cultural Centre was born out of an ordinance in 1950 that affirmed a charter

established the previous year where the government of the day sought to set up a inter racial

cultural space for the use and enjoyment of Kenyan citizens.

The Kenya Cultural Centre is responsible for the development and promotion of the performance

of music, drama and dance, exhibition of works of art and crafts, discussions on matters of

literary, historical, scientific or education interest or importance (Plate 2.7).

Apart from housing the largest proscenium stage in Kenya, the Cultural Centre is also home to

the Ukumbi Mdogo- Concert Hall, Cheche Art Gallery and several outdoor spaces (Mugumo

Coutryard) that are used for various performances and meetings.

Plate 2.7: Kenya National Theater Main Auditorium


Source: Kenya Cultural Centre, 2016

Library Service

Provision of information for development through the national and public library network

enables people to fight poverty deprivation and illiteracy and thus supports reading and recovery


60

2.8.2 Agricultural Land

Land is a factor of production for agriculture sector
enterprises, food security enabling the sector to
contribute significantly to the economy; 24 % to the
Gross Domestic Product and 60 percent of the export
earnings.

Land is the most important resource from which
the country generates goods and services for the
people. The national economy is primarily agro-based
with 90% of the population living in rural areas and
derives its livelihood directly from land. Agriculture is
determined by factors such as climate, hydrology and
terrain.

Agricultural land is classified into various agro-climatic
zones which determine the suitability of an area for a
particular land use as per Table 2.16.

Table 2.16: Distribution of Agro Climatic Zones in Kenya

Agro
climatic
zone

Potential land use Area in Ha % of the
total land

i-iii Medium to high:
Agriculture, livestock
(intensive), forestry and
water catchment

8600 15%

iv-v Marginal to medium:
agriculture (drought
tolerant crops), forestry,
livestock

( ranching) and wildlife
conservation

11500 20%

vi-vii Marginal, livestock

(extensive pastoralism)
and wildlife conservation

37,400 65%

The country is divided into seven agro-climatic zones
based on a ratio between annual rainfall and potential
evaporation, and temperatures as depicted in the map
below. Crop and livestock production is practiced in
all the agro-climatic zones depending on many other
factors key among them being rainfall amount and
its distribution, soils and other climatic factors, social
cultural factors, market demand, cost of production,
and availability of technologies to support the chosen
enterprises.

The biggest threat to agricultural land is fragmentation
arising from high population growth rate and
competing land uses such as urbanization. Land

Plate 2.8: The Proposed National Library

Source: Kenya National Library Service, 2016

National Spatial Plan, 2015-2045

97


Department of Physical Planning

programmes by the government. Rural and urban poor communities are better able to tackle their

problems and introduce social change if they have access to relevant information that meets their

needs and interests. In addition, access to information about the country enables citizens to

participate effectively in the art of governance.

At the moment, Kenya National Library Service has established 59 library branches (21 at the

County headquarters, 38 community based). The network serves 11million customers annually.

Plate 2.8: The Proposed National Library


Source: Kenya National Library Service, 2016

2.8 Land Use Patterns
2.8.1 Land Use
Historically, land use patterns in Kenya have largely been determined by ecological factors,

government policies, socio-cultural practices, infrastructure development and economic viability.

Demographic trends manifesting through instances of rapid population growth and urbanization

have also had a major impact on the utilization of land in the country. For example, huge chunks

of prime agricultural land have been changed into residential or industrial spaces due to

uncontained urbanization.


61
productivity also reduces due to underutilization of
agricultural potential areas. Rich agricultural land has
also been lost to real estate development and other
urban development uses.

2.8.3 Urban Land

Kenya’s urban areas are centers of innovation,
industrialization, education science and technology
and culture. According to 2009 national population
census one out of every three Kenyans lived in urban
areas implying that out of the 38.6 million total
population, 32.3% or 12.5 million Kenyans (70% of
who live in informal settlements) lived in some 108
designated urban centers with population ranging
between 20,000 and 3 million. Kenya’s development
blue print, Kenya Vision 2030 estimates that by the
year 2015 the level of urbanization will have reached
44.5% and eventually the percentage is set to reach
54% by 2030 with nearly 30 million people living in
urban areas. The urban population generates over
65% of the national GDP.

The lack of a policy framework to guide urban
development has led to spontaneous urban growth
and poses a great challenge to urban land. This
problem is further compounded by the ever-
increasing population, unemployment for the
growing urban, coupled with irregular land allocation
systems and land-grabbing have led to proliferation
of slum dwellings which are home to majority of
urban population (low income). Slum settlements are
characterized by insecurity of tenure and inadequate
access to basic services.

Urban land use patterns are also influenced by
accessibility (lower transportation costs) and land rent
which makes locations attractive. This is characterized
by concentration of development along both sides of
major transportation routes such as roads, navigable
rivers or other forms of transport networks.

Uncontrolled outward expansion of urban
development from the urban center has led to
urban sprawl. Urban and peri-urban areas have also
experienced fragmentation of land into uneconomic
units while large holdings of land remain underutilized.
This has resulted in changes in land use patterns,
depletion of agricultural land and land use conflicts.
In addition, there is a notable shift from horizontal to
vertical developments

2.8.4 Environmental Conservation Areas

i. Forest
Forest cover in 2015 is estimated to be approximately
5.9% of Kenya’s land area. About 10 per cent of the

population lives within five km of Kenya’s indigenous
closed-canopy forests and derive direct benefits from
them, and in some areas, as much as 70 per cent of the
income in households adjacent to forests comes from
forest activities.

Forest cover has been reducing as a result of
encroachment by the land less communities, pressure
for agricultural land (Settlement), intense traditional
activities and climate change. Deforestation and
removal of vegetation cover has led to noticeable
reduction of productivity of water sheds, erosion and
increase in flood risks.

ii. Wetlands
Wetlands cover about 3 to 4 per cent of the land and
include deltas, creeks, lake shores, rivers, marshes,
ponds, dams, and mountain bogs. Wetlands provide
ecosystem services such as filtering and storing water,
protecting coastlines from erosion, and as wildlife
habitats. They could be natural or artificial and the
water is permanent or temporary.

The benefits of wetland include ground water recharge,
flood control, shoreline stabilization, erosion control,
sediment and toxicant retention, nutrient retention,
biomas export, wind breaks and recreational and
tourism spot. They are also habitats for fish spawning,
forage reserves for livestock, provide agricultural land
supply water and are biodiversity reserves. The major
threat is reclamation into farm land and pollution.

iii. Water Bodies
Surface waters cover about 2.2 % of Kenya’s land
surface this includes both saline fresh water bodies
in form of Ocean, lakes, rivers, and dams. Kenya’s EEZ
measures approximately 142, 400 Km2 and has a rich
diversity of marine and coastal ecosystems. These
ecosystems include mangrove wetlands, coastal
forests, estuaries, sandy beaches and sand dunes,
coral reefs, and seagrass beds that support a host of
marine and coastal species. The marine ecosystem
is however facing a number of threats including land
use changes in adjacent watersheds which contribute
to the problem of sedimentation in coral reefs. Other
key sources of land- based pollution that threaten
reefs include urban runoff, industrial discharges,
drainage schemes, and coastal developments. Ships
further threaten the marine ecosystem through
ballast discharges, oil spills, and sewage.

Majority of Kenya’s lakes are in the Great East African
Rift Valley and include closed and open basin systems.
Most of the lakes are saline with the exception of
Victoria, Naivasha, and Baringo. The major rivers are
Tana, Yala, Athi, Nzoia, Nyando and Ewaso-Ng’iro.


62
Surface water bodies are fed by five “water towers”
representing the country’s major drainage areas in the
highland’s forested catchments.

Water bodies faces pollution due to urban and
industrial waste disposal which reduces water quality
leading to loss of biodiversity through deaths of
aquatic plants and animals. Most of the affected
rivers are those that flow within the commercial and
residential areas. Water bodies also face a constant
danger of siltation following increased soil erosion
especially during rainy seasons. Uncontrolled sinking
of boreholes diminishes underground water.

Diversion of water mainly for agricultural purposes
either upstream, or downstream, reduces the flow
and level of water leading to water use conflict.

iv. Rangelands
About 80% of Kenya’s land is classified as rangelands,
which are characterized by low and unreliable
rainfall. Rangeland resources are enormous but
the ecosystems are fragile requiring appropriate
management strategies to ensure sustainable
productivity. Animal production through pastoralism
and wildlife management are the main forms of
rangeland use; these areas are characterized by little
agro-pastoralism.

Most of the country’s game reserves, parks,
conservancies and sanctuaries lie within the rangelands
(ASALs are home to more than 90% of the wild game).
As much as most of these protection areas have been
gazetted, human encroachment resulting in poaching
and human-wildlife conflicts have been reported.

Land in the rangelands is mainly communally owned
leading to insecurity of land tenure and irresponsible
use of the resources. Previously, rangelands were
regarded as low potential areas hence negligence in
provision of infrastructure leading to underutilization
of its potential.

The main challenges facing rangeland areas are largely
related to overstocking, overgrazing, and climate
change leading to draught, floods, high temperatures,
land degradation and desertification. In addition new
emerging land uses such as modernized agriculture,
green houses, housing estates, industrial, institutional
and urbanization have led to human-human conflicts
as well as diminishing of the rangeland resource. Table
2.17 shows the percentage changes in the land use
patterns.

Table 2.17: Land Use Patterns in Kenya

Total Areas 2000 Ha 2010 Ha % of Change

Agriculture 7,242,066 7,408,341 2.3

Range land 36,518,205 36,517,633 0.0

Trees 10,601,906 10,464,454 -1.3

Forest
Plantation

108,461 98,870 -8.8

Urban Areas 82,710 89,294 8.0

Water 1,463,815 1,440,852 -1.6

Source: Kenya Department of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing
(2013)

2.9 Human Settlements

Overview
Human settlements are concentrations of activities
and people, ranging from the smallest village or the
largest metropolis. Settlements and the patterns they
create on earth’s surface provide not only information
on current eco¬nomic, political, and social conditions,
but also a historical record of past conditions. Today’s
settlement patterns provide information about past
settlement processes and land-use patterns.

To be productive, economic growth requires some
degree of concentration of activities and people to
facilitate economic and technical efficiency. Human
settlements therefore play an essential role as
agents of economic growth by providing favorable
locations for productive investment. Consequently,
the development of human settlements is a critical
process in the transformation of traditional/rural
societies into the modern/urban state. It is in urban
areas that most activities and processes which are
usually associated with modern economic and social
progress most immediately present themselves, but it
is also here that the problems of degradation of the
environment and human qualities of life are most
acute.5 The changes necessitate planning for human
settlements as part of the National Spatial Plan.

2.9.1 Functions of Human Settlements

Human settlements are considered as focal points for
commercial, industrial, administrative, infrastructure
utilities and services required by the population.
They perform three main functions which include;
Economic, Service, and Residential functions (Figure
2.21).

2.9.2 Human Settlement Patterns in Kenya

Settlement Types
Classified on the basis of size and function, human
settlements can broadly be categorized into urban


63
and rural. Urban settlements are majorly nodal in
character and have secondary and tertiary activities
and as such, the chief occupation of the people of
urban areas is non-agricultural i.e. industry, trade
and services. The major functions of urban areas are
trade and commerce, transport and communication,
mining and manufacturing, administration, cultural
and recreational activities. They are characterized by
high population density and these settlements are
large in size.

Rural settlements are chiefly concerned with primary
activities such as agriculture, mining, fishing and
forestry. Most of the people of rural settlement are
engaged in agricultural work. The major function of
rural settlement is agriculture and each settlement
specializes in various activities. They are characterized
by low population densities and the settlements are
also small.

Human settlement patterns in Kenya can be classified
as:

i. Nucleated – urban settlements come to existence
because of rural-urban and inter-urban migration.

ii. Dispersed and Clustered – this refer to the
traditional rural settlements and those grouped
homesteads arising from the nomadic nature
of the various rural communities. Clustered
settlements are those that are concentrated at

some places and arise out of a shared culture
among other reasons. For example, most pastoral
communities such as the Maasai, Samburu,
Turkana live in manyattas.

iii. Linear – these are settlements along transport
corridors or along rivers, lakes and the coastlines.

Most of these settlement patterns are influenced
mainly by; climate, topography, transport corridors
and resources abstraction in particular regions. Urban
settlements will expand because of the increasing
rate of urbanization. Figure 2.22 highlights factors
that will continue to determine the rate at which the
proportion of people living in urban areas will increase
in Kenya.

2.9.3 Urban Settlements

Cities are the largest and most dense human
settlements and are the major nodes of human society.
Throughout the world, cities are growing rapidly, but
none so rapidly as those in developing regions of the
world, including Kenya.

Urban areas have been regarded as “engines of
development and centers of innovation, technology
and catalysts for economic development. In 2014,
it was estimated that 40% of Kenyans lived in urban
areas. Kenya’s Vision 2030 envisions that by 2030 the
level of urbanization in the country will be more than

Source: Human Settlements in Kenya, 1978

Figure 2.21: Functions of Human Settlements

National Spatial Plan, 2015-2045

104


Department of Physical Planning

2.9.1 Functions of Human Settlements
Human settlements are considered as focal points for commercial, industrial, administrative,

infrastructure utilities and services required by the population. They perform three main

functions which include; Economic, Service, and Residential functions (Figure 2.21).

Figure 2.21: Functions of Human Settlements


2.9.2 Human Settlement Patterns in Kenya
Settlement Types

Classified on the basis of size and function, human settlements can broadly categorized into

urban and rural. Urban settlements are majorly nodal in character and have secondary and

tertiary activities and as such, the chief occupation of the people of urban areas is non-

agricultural i.e. industry, trade and services. The major functions of urban areas are trade and

commerce, transport and communication, mining and manufacturing, administration, cultural

and recreational activities. They are characterized by high population density and these

settlements are large in size.

Rural settlements are chiefly concerned with primary activities such as agriculture, mining,

fishing and forestry. Most of the people of rural settlement are engaged in agricultural work. The


64
half of the total population. In Kenya, urban population
generates over 65% of the National Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) and Nairobi alone contributes 50% of
the GDP to the National economy (World Bank, 2010).

The number, size and location of urban settlements in
Kenya have historical origin. Before the establishment
of the colonial administration, there were no towns of
recognizable size in the interior of Kenya. There was no
economic basis for urban settlement as the prevailing
economic activities mainly agriculture and stock
herding did not give rise to any permanent trading
center. In 1962, only 7.8 percent at the population of
Kenya were living in urban areas. Colonial government
established white settlements which attracted
unskilled labour and led to establishment of small
towns for economic and social reasons.

In the post-independence period, the number of
urban centers increased from 17 in 1948 to 230 in
2009 while the Kenya urban population was reported
as 12,487,375 persons. This accounted for 31.3 % of
Kenya’s population. Nairobi had the highest number
of urban population housing approximately 25.12%
while Mombasa housed 7.3%.

Past Efforts to Contain Urbanization
Kenya has witnessed rapid growth of urbanization
since independence. This was due to guaranteed
freedom of movement which spurred to high rate
of rural urban migration. Growth Center Policy has
been part of National development strategy of Kenya
since 1970.This was first reflected in the National

Development Plan of 1970/74. The policy aimed
at promoting development of small and medium
size urban centers with potential for growth and
redirecting urban development away from Nairobi
and Mombasa.

The government intended to invest in infrastructure of
the designated growth centers to make them attractive
for investment and human settlement. This was in
turn to promote development of their hinterlands and
absorb rural urban migrants who would otherwise be
attracted to Nairobi and Mombasa. The first phase of
the implementation of the policy covered Kisumu,
Kakamega, Nakuru, Eldoret, Nyeri, Thika and Embu
while the second phase covered Meru, Bungoma,
Kericho and Kisii. However, the growth centers in arid
and semi-arid regions where ineffective in promoting
development because of excessive numbers of
designated centers, lack of financial and technical
resources. The failure of the policy was as a result of
a lack of explicit selection criteria to identify centers
with the best growth potential, a lack of appropriate
database on the urban centers and the hinterlands
and haphazard change of boundaries of urban centers

Role of Urban Areas
The importance of urban areas cannot be gainsaid as
they have been branded as “engines of development”
since they create an enabling business environment
that encourages industrialization, commercialization,
innovation, education, science and technology and all
forms of desirable elements of development.

Figure 2.22: Main Factors Influencing Urbanization in Kenya

Source: Adopted from Human Settlement Strategy, 1978

National Spatial Plan, 2015-2045

105


Department of Physical Planning

major function of rural settlement is agriculture and each settlement specializes in various

activities. They are characterized by low population densities and the settlements are also small.

Human settlement patterns in Kenya can be classified as:

i. Nucleated – urban settlements come to existence because of rural-urban and inter-urban

migration.

ii. Dispersed and Clustered – this refer to the traditional rural settlements and those grouped

homesteads arising from the nomadic nature of the various rural communities. Clustered

settlements are those that are concentrated at some places and arise out of a shared

culture among other reasons. For example, most pastoral communities such as the

Maasai, Samburu, Turkana live in manyattas.

iii. Linear – these are settlements along transport corridors or along rivers, lakes and the

coastlines.

Most of these settlement patterns are influenced mainly by; climate, topography, transport

corridors and resources abstraction in particular regions. Urban settlements will expand because

of the increasing rate of urbanization. Figure 2.22 highlights factors that will continue to

determine the rate at which the proportion of people living in urban areas will increase in Kenya.

Figure 2.22: Main Factors Influencing Urbanization in Kenya


Source: Adopted from Human Settlement Strategy, 1978


65
The functionality and livability of an urban area
includes an array of issues that are underpinned by a
common set of guiding principles: accessibility, equity,
and livability which is the ‘quality of life’ experienced
by the residents within a city or region. The quality
of life experienced by citizens living in a city is tied to
their ability to access infrastructure (transportation,
communication, water, and sanitation); food; clean
air; affordable housing; meaningful employment;
and green spaces and parks. The differential access of
people within a city to the infrastructure and amenities
highlights questions of equity. The livability of a city is
also determined by the access that its residents have
to participate in decision-making to meet their needs.

The NSP seeks to catalyze the growth of more urban
centres to increase their contribution to GDP and
collectively contribute towards the achievement
of the desired annual 10% GDP growth rate for the
country.

Kenya’s growth of towns has been occurring
spontaneously and randomly which has created many
challenges. The NSP provides strategies and policies
to guide future growth of towns and assignment of
roles to different urban areas.

Nature and Pattern of Urban Settlements
The first attempt at creating an urban structure was
through the Human Settlement Strategy of 1978
which advocated for the development of two types
of centres; the development of service centres and
growth centres. The service centres were further
grouped into designated local, market, rural and
urban centres. The Growth Centres identified in this
strategy were thirteen in number but immediate
attention was to be concentrated and diverted
to nine growth centres distributed evenly across
the country’s territorial space. These were Nakuru,
Kisumu, Thika, Eldoret, Kitale, Kakamega, Meru,
Embu and Nyeri. The Growth centres were to act as
magnetic poles of development aimed to “counter
excessive urbanization of Nairobi and Mombasa”
and “counteract the dualistic nature of the economy by
tapping development potential in hitherto neglected
areas” (Human Settlements Strategy, 1978). Nairobi
and Mombasa were identified as the two major
cities in this strategy and they have maintained their
position as the major cities of the country.

The main role of service centres was to provide services
to the rural hinterlands thus balancing development
at the local level. This model of urban structure was
ideal and has since been borrowed, replicated and
implemented in many countries with great success.
However, in Kenya, the strategy was implemented
in as far as establishing clear administrative centres

which have lacked a competitive economic edge. The
strategy was also not supported by clear infrastructural
investments in these towns and has been responsible
for the persistent deficit of basic urban services in the
country’s towns.

Development of urban areas has mainly been shaped
by the development of the Northern corridor which
runs from Mombasa to Malaba. This was further
strengthened by post-colonial government policies
which concentrated development within the
high potential areas of the country. This led to the
concentration of towns within the central part of the
country with the northern parts having very few and
under developed towns.

Urbanization Trends in Kenya
Urbanization is a population shift from rural to urban
areas. It is the gradual increase in the proportion
of people living in urban areas and includes the
ways in which each society adapts to the change. It
predominantly results in the physical growth of urban
areas, be it horizontal or vertical.

Kenya’s development blueprint (Kenya Vision
2030) envisions that by 2030, 54% of the country’s
population will be residing in urban areas. This trend
calls for urban containment so as to release land
for agriculture and other activities such as tourism,
conservation and rural settlements. However, the
urban areas are characterized by non-functional
transportation systems, deteriorating urban ecology
and urban decay, insecurity, governance issues such
as mismanagement of resources and poor service
delivery among other challenges. This means that
most cities and urban centres in Kenya are not
functional and livable.

2.9.4 Rural Settlements

A rural settlement is a sparsely populated community
that exists in the country, away from densely
populated urban centers.

There are several types of settlements that are
named for the way in which they are arranged. Rural
settlements designed in a circular pattern with an open
common area are known as circular rural settlements.
Linear rural settlements are built along a main road or
thoroughfare. Rural communities in which people live
together in a scattered pattern separated by homes,
fields, animal pens and other structures are called
structured rural settlements while dispersed rural
settlements are comprised of farms that are not in
close proximity to one another.


66
Table 2.18: The 10 most Populous Towns in Kenya

Source: World Bank, 2010

Table 2.19: Trends of Urban Growth in Kenya

YEAR TOTAL POULATION
NO. OF URBAN
CENTERS

URBAN POPULATION
% OF URBAN TO TOTAL
POPULATION

INTERCENSAL GROWTH
RATE (%)

1948 5407599 17 285, 000 5.3 -

1962 8646263 34 747, 651 8.7 6.3

1969 10956501 47 1,076,908 9.8 7.1

1979 15327061 91 2,315,696 15.1 7.7

1989 21448774 139 3,878,697 18.1 5.2

1999 28159922 180 5,429,790 19.3 3.4

2009 38412088 230 12,023,570 31.3 8.3

Source: Adopted from KNBS, 2009

In the context of the National Spatial Plan, rural
development is conceived as the process of improving
the quality of life and economic wellbeing of people
living in rural areas through the improvement of
agriculture and allied activities; village and cottage
industries, crafts, socio-economic infrastructure,
community services and facilities, tourism, and human
resources in rural areas.

Nature and Pattern of Rural Development
Rural settlements found all over the country can be
broadly grouped under two main categories:

i. Compact/clustered/nucleated settlements

ii. Dispersed settlements

According to the Sessional Paper No. 3 of 2009 on
National Land Policy, the national land surface can

be classified into four distinct geographical and
ecological regions or zones with different patterns
of land use, namely; the coastal plain, the arid low
plateau, the highlands and the Lake Victoria basin.
Analysis of these regions reveals two distinct patterns
that are closely linked to the nature of population
distribution and density, physiographic conditions
and access to infrastructure.

a) Clustered Settlements
This pattern of settlement is widespread in the
northern, eastern, north eastern and some parts
of coastal regions. This pattern is also as a result of
majority leaving the rural areas for urban areas for
jobs and other services. These areas were initially
considered to be resource poor and of lower
agricultural potential compared to regions found
around the central part of the country.

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67
b) Dispersed Settlements
This pattern of settlement is found mainly around the
highlands and the Lake Victoria Basin which stretch
along the central, western and some parts of the Rift
Valley regions. These areas are synonymous with the
high and medium agricultural potential zones. The
areas are characterized by relatively better provision
of infrastructure and services in comparison to their
“marginal” counterparts. Reliable service provision
in these regions has led to high demand of land for
settlement and agricultural production hence rapid
land fragmentation to uneconomic holdings and
increased environmental degradation. These areas
support both crop and livestock production.

Rural Settlement Challenges
Rural settlements are characterized by primary
activities such as crop farming, keeping of livestock
and cottage industries. They are faced with a number
of challenges which affect their functioning and
overall growth. To start with, there is inadequate
research on appropriate production systems under
unfavorable ecological conditions and in areas which
are less well endowed with natural resources. There is
also little research undertaken on ways of augmenting
feed and fodder resources in arid and semi-arid areas
or areas with problematic soils (saline and alkaline
soils with brackish water). More research is needed
on traditional systems and indigenous knowledge of
the farmers, which would enhance their capacity to
survive under unfavorable conditions.

The effects of climate change have been felt mostly
by the farmers especially due to dependence on rain
fed agriculture. The changing and unpredictable
raining seasons has greatly affected the ability to plan
for farming activities. Areas which hitherto received
adequate rainfall now receive insufficient rainfall
reducing the land that can support agriculture. This
brings the need for more exploitation of irrigation
farming especially in ASALs.

The agricultural extension service plays a key role
in disseminating knowledge, technologies, and
agricultural information, and in linking farmers
with other actors in the economy. The extension
service is one of the critical change agents required
in transforming subsistence farming to modern
and commercial agriculture to promote household
food security, improve incomes and thereby reduce
poverty. However, there is limited access to extension
services

Urban sprawl which has resulted in conversion of rich
agricultural land into urban land uses, this has resulted
into fragmentation of land into uneconomical land
holdings. All the above call for the need to plan for
and develop these rural settlements accordingly to
their potentials in order to make them function better
and offer a good quality of life to the people living
and working here.


68


69

CHAPTER III:
DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES


70


71
3.1 Overview

T
his section seeks to provide strategies for spatial
growth and development of the country by
addressing factors that prevent the country

from achieving the intended national goals and
objectives. The strategies are aimed at providing
a spatial expression to Kenya Vision 2030 and
other sector policies. The development strategies
discussed, are aimed at managing global impacts,
optimizing the use of land and natural resources,
promoting functional and livable human settlements,
creating regional balance, transforming rural areas
by modernizing agriculture, integrating national
transportation, ensuring efficient and adequate
infrastructure and conserving the environment.

The NSP has adopted the strategies of making the
country more competitive by ensuring easier access
to land for investment and providing high quality of
infrastructure. This will be supported by an integrated
transport system to ensure efficient and faster
movement of people, goods and services.

The Urban system in Kenya is not well defined
and the development of the urban areas has been
spontaneous leading to many challenges including
urban sprawl and informality, congestion, lack of
infrastructure and services. The NSP proposes a
strategy of selective concentration which will be
based on role specialization in an endeavor to make
the urban areas functional and livable.

In Kenya, a greater proportion of the population (67%)
is still resident in the rural areas and derives their
livelihood from agriculture, livestock, fisheries and
other extraction activities. There is therefore need to
develop a strategy for enhancing productivity through
modernizing agriculture and increasing rural incomes.
The strategy of optimizing land and natural resources
has been adopted to ensure that the country’s
resources are identified and harnessed sustainably.

The environment is our heritage and must be
conserved and protected for posterity. The NSP
promotes the strategy of environmental conservation
based on Environmental Sensitivity Analysis (ESA). The
country has a rich diversity of environmental assets
which require to be conserved and used sustainably.

Specifically, development strategies have been
proposed to address the following aspects of the
country’s development agenda:

i. Managing impacts of global competitiveness

ii. Optimal use of land and other resources

iii. Balanced regional development

iv. Rural development

v. Urbanization

3.2 Managing Impacts of
Global Trends

The world economy is becoming borderless and
integrated, driven by global market forces, global
technological forces, global cost forces and political
and macro-economic forces. The integrated world
economy and global competitive arena is changing
the way in which nations traditionally operated.
Globalization is a process of interaction and integration
among the people and governments of different
nations, a process driven by international trade and
investment and aided by information technology.

Kenya being part of the global sphere has not been
spared the effects and impacts of globalization and the
preparation of the NSP forms part of the government’s
response to the challenges of globalization. Kenya has
to anticipate these impacts and prepare to leverage
on their potential benefits while planning to address
the challenges they may pose to her people, resources
and wider economy.

The principal aim of Kenya Vision 2030 is to make the
country globally competitive, prosperous, through
industrialization so as to move into a middle income
country and make it a choice destination for investment
in the emerging service sectors; Information
Communication and Technology (ICT), niche tourism,
knowledge industry and manufacturing and industry.

To actualize this aim, Kenya Vision 2030 has proposed
a number of projects including development of
resort cities in Diani, Kilifi, Lamu, Turkana and Isiolo,
construction of Lamu Port Southern Sudan Ethiopia
Transport Corridor (LAPSSET); improving the existing
airports (especially JKIA and Moi International
Airport, Mombasa) in order to meet international
standards and to enhance their strategic position as
international travel hubs; and as the gateways to Africa
International Financial Centres such as the Eastern
and Southern Trade and Development Bank regional
office in Nairobi. These are strategic projects aimed at
positioning Kenya as the premier trade, investment
and service location in Africa.

In developing its development strategy, Kenya has
to consider the rest of the world in factors such as
economic trends, competitiveness and technology
innovations in other countries. The NSP must take
cognizance of the global economy which has wide


72
and far reaching implications. The emergence of
the knowledge economy must be appreciated
and planned for. Kenya must be able to attract
international investments in these emerging sectors
to ensure that the country achieves the objectives of
the Kenya Vision 2030 of being globally competitive.

3.2.1 Emerging Global Trends

An in-depth analysis of the globalization processes
indicates that the following trends are likely to emerge
and which the country should embrace to be globally
competitive.

i. Open Market for Goods and Services
The opening up of global markets for goods and
services means that only those countries which
produce quality goods and at low costs compete
favorably. Integration into the world economy has
proven a powerful means for countries to promote
economic growth, development and poverty
reduction. It will also promote international quality
for capital, goods and inputs available to our export
industries and increase their competitive strength in
the international markets.

Kenya faces several constrictions that limit its ability
to harness the benefits of open markets for goods
and services. The country’s cost of production is high
which is occasioned by inefficient and high cost of
energy, outdated technology, inefficient transport
systems and production of raw agricultural produce.
This results to low quality of products and services
which cannot compete favourably in the international
markets.

These constraints can be managed through different
measures. Production cost can be reduced by
harnessing the diverse sources of energy including
green and renewable sources. To capitalize on the
open markets for goods and services, the country
must produce efficiently in all economic sectors of
manufacturing and industry, service industry, tourism
and agriculture.

The NSP strategy for the country to benefit from
open market for goods and services is to harness
the renewable green energy sources to increase the
energy capacity and reduce the cost of production
and improve quality of goods. Currently, the country
has specific energy potential locations which can
be utilized to produce solar power, wind power,
bio energy, and geothermal energy. Kenya should
also promote major economic reforms that include
relaxing international trade and foreign investment
restrictions, private ownership of businesses and
property and relaxing state control over many aspects
of the economy.

ii. Open Movement of Capital
This refers to the opening up of international capital
markets to afford the country the opportunity to attract
and retain increasing Foreign Direct Investments (FDI)
in the different economic sectors. This requires Kenya
to position herself as a low investment – high return
destination to cope with this trend.

Currently, Kenya has a number of restraints to
its ability to be a high returns destination on
investment. High costs of production, inefficiency
and outdated technology makes the country a low
return destination. Capital flows expose the country
to external disturbances and can have a destabilizing
effects. Capital inflows may create difficulties for
monetary policy management and inflation control
and as well as for exchange rate stability and export
competitiveness.

Kenya needs to identify and optimize locations and
investment destinations which offer high return on
investment at relatively low costs such as Nairobi
metropolitan area, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu and
Eldoret.

To harness the benefits of open movement of capital,
the country should locate export oriented industrial
and manufacturing activities primarily in Nairobi and
Mombasa so as to leverage on their already existing
functional urban systems. The country should also
allow location of such activities in other selected
urban areas such as Nakuru, Kisumu and Eldoret
because they are emerging as high potential urban
centres.

iii. Economic Integration and
Specialization

Globalization of product and financial markets
will be very significant for Kenya as it seeks global
competitiveness. An increased economic integration
in specialization and economies of scale will result in
greater trade in financial services through both capital
flows and cross-border entry activity. Economic
integration will result in lower cost of capital which
will allow Kenya to undertake profitable projects that
it may not have been able to with a higher cost of
capital, pre-liberalization, leading to higher growth
rates.

Kenya’s constraint on economic integration and
specialization is partly due to its insufficient economic
integration in the current economic blocks in which
it is a member including East African Community and
COMESA. However, Kenya has an opportunity to tap
on this, by increasing specialization in horticulture
and service industries such as tourism to achieve
comparative advantage in the region.


73
To harness the benefits of economic integration, the
country must promote cooperation in planning in
COMESA and East Africa Community, so as to leverage
on economies of scale arising from integration and
competition as an economic block rather than as a
single economy. The country should also strengthen
horticultural and service industries especially tourism
to leverage on comparative advantages it has in these
sectors.

iv. Tendency of Foreign Direct
Investments (FDI) to be attracted
to Countries with Steady Economic
Growth

The GDP of a country serves as a significant indicator of
overall economic output of the country and potential
to attract FDI. Kenya should maintain a steady and
sustainable economic growth to act as a magnet for
Foreign Direct Investment.

Kenya is currently not attracting enough FDIs because
it faces constraints in terms of fluctuating economic
growth occasioned by both local and international
factors. These factors include political instability,
volatile international petroleum prices and unsteady
currency exchange rates. Bureaucracy and challenges
related to matters of integrity has complicated the
ease of doing business in Kenya hence making the
country unattractive to investors.

The country has an opportunity in manufacturing
and services industries that should be promoted as
engines of growth for the Kenyan economy to reduce
the country’s dependence on any single industry,
sector or market, thereby reducing vulnerability and
providing a broader economic base.

The strategy to achieve a steady and stable economy
is by optimizing the existing potentials in the
country. This could include optimization of resource
exploitation especially in marginalized regions

v. Emergence of Knowledge,
Technology and Innovation Driven
Economies

Knowledge workers are employees such as data
analysts, product developers, planners and
researchers who are engaged primarily in acquisition,
analysis, and manipulation of information as opposed
to in production of goods or services.

The global economy is increasingly relying on
knowledge workers to drive the economies.
Knowledge is now recognized as the driver of
productivity and economic growth. Knowledge
workers are moving just like global capital to attractive

destinations that provide employment opportunities
for themselves and their families. In the knowledge-
based economy, the governance system contributes
to the key functions of knowledge production,
knowledge transmission and knowledge transfer.

Kenya needs to develop its ability to leverage on science,
technology and innovation effectively as competitive
tools that will enable us to upgrade our existing
industry and business clusters, and shift to activities
with higher innovation and technology content. With
increasing globalization, greater competition and
the shift towards a knowledge economy, human and
intellectual capital has become the key competitive
factor. There is a need to upgrade the capabilities
and optimize the contributions of both the local and
foreign workforce in Kenya. The country has to develop
a world class workforce with outstanding capabilities.

The country’s main constraint in deriving the benefits
of a technology driven economy is its inability to
sufficiently embrace the transition to knowledge,
technology and innovation based economies. To tap
into this emerging sector the country has to address
challenges of housing, urban facilities, transportation
and safety to attract knowledge workers and their
families to work and live comfortably. This can be
achieved by optimizing existing urban areas which
are already offering these services such as Nairobi and
Mombasa.

The country should also develop effective national
ICT policies that support new regulatory frameworks,
promote the selected knowledge production and
use of ICT to harness its organizational changes. The
country has a number of opportunities that it can
utilize to attract these knowledge workers.

Kenya has an opportunity to tap on technology and
innovation in its economy because it has a rich human
resource base. There are some sectors that are already
transiting towards a knowledge-based economy. The
country also has institutions which offer training in
technology/innovation which can be used to train
knowledge workers.

The strategy to harness the benefits of this trend is
through encouraging the emergence of ICT locations
and research oriented institutions in the country,
encourage the location of universities in outlying
areas in the country to stimulate migration towards
knowledge based economies.


74
vi. Emerging Marine Based Economy

(Blue Economy)
Marine based or Blue Economy means the use of
the sea and its resources for sustainable economic
development.

The Blue Economy covers both aquatic and marine
spaces including oceans, seas, coasts, lakes, rivers,
and underground water. It encompasses a range of
productive sectors, including fisheries, aquaculture,
tourism, transport, shipbuilding, energy, bio
prospecting and underwater mining and related
activities.

Kenya is endowed with rich coastal and maritime
resources which has a huge potential for development
of the Blue Economy. Kenya has an exclusive
economic zone totaling 142,400 square kilometers
and an extended continental shelf of 103, 320
square kilometers. In spite of the high potential for
exploitation and development of the blue economy
not much has been done to tap it into the mainstream
economic development of the country. The high
potential for deep sea fishing remains underutilized
and has largely been dominated by foreign fishing
companies.

The development of the Blue Economy has been
constrained by a low level of awareness, inadequate
technology and lack of appropriate skills and financial
resources. There is need to develop strategies to
facilitate sustainable exploitation of this sector of the
economy which has largely been untapped.

3.2.2 Kenya’s Comparative Advantages

Kenya is comparatively globally competitive and
therefore well positioned to tap into the emerging
global trends. This can be attributed to:

a) Its strategic location as the gateway to Africa and
the world with Nairobi and Mombasa as the main
gateways. The country’s central location makes
it attractive for investment as it provides access
to many global destinations. Its location on the
Indian Ocean provides an important international
maritime contact to over eighty (80) countries
which is important for international maritime
transportation, trade, fishing and marine research
(Blue Economy). There is potential for exploitation
of our strategic equatorial space satellite launch
capacity. In addition, its location on the equator
ensures that the country enjoys moderate climate
throughout the year.

b) Rich natural resource endowment comprising
of extractive minerals, wildlife, marine resources
fauna and flora, water, energy resources- (solar,
wind, geothermal) which present numerous
opportunity for industrialization, fishing, tourism
and energy production. The recent discovery
of oil, rare earth minerals, coal and titanium all
present opportunities for investment.

c) A fairly well developed transportation system
comprising of international and national trunk
roads including the great north road from
Mombasa through Nairobi, Sudan to Cairo and the
Trans African highway from Mombasa through
Nairobi, Uganda to Lagos in Nigeria as a well
as a railway line from Malaba to Uganda, water
transport including an international harbor and
reliable international air transport with potential
for modernization and enhanced efficiency.

d) Cities of international repute - Nairobi is the
largest city of Kenya as well as its capital and seat
of the National Government. It is a gateway as well
as the main commercial and financial hub and
hosts many international organizations including
the UN, UN Habitant, UNFP, UNDP, UNEP, FAO,
Coca Cola and the World Bank. The city has a fair
level of infrastructure development including
transport networks- roads, airports (JKIA) and
rail transportation, housing, health services,
knowledge industry, institutions and utilities. The
city presents opportunities which if enhanced
can promote the country`s competitiveness by
making the city more functional, efficient and
livable. Mombasa on the other hand, is the second
largest city and major gateway to the country.
The city owes its development to the port of
Mombasa which is the second largest harbor
in Africa after Durban in South Africa. The port
provides linkage with the landlocked countries in
the entire East and Central Africa region as well as
maritime contact to the rest of the world.

The country has not been able to harness these
opportunities as well as take advantage of the
emerging positive impacts of globalization as
demonstrated in Figure 3.1.


75
Figure 3.1: Assessment of Kenya’s Competitiveness

Figure 3.2: Structure of Kenya’s Economy Compared to the rest of the World

Source: Adapted from the National Economic and Social Council (NESC), 2016

Industry
25%

Kenya

USA

European
Union

World

Industry
20%

Services
73%

Services
50%

Agriculture
30%

Agriculture
2%

Industry
31%

Services
62%

Agriculture
7%

Industry
20%

Services
78%

Agriculture
2%

Assessment of Kenya’s Competitiveness

GCI Ranking for Kenya 2015‐16

91

Basic Requirements E�ciency Enhancers Innovation

99

123
114

98
84

31
42

94

71

48
41

0
20
40
60
80

100
120
140


76
Factors Constraining Competitiveness
and the Efficiency of the Economy
Figure 2.3 shows that compared to the more developed
economies where service and manufacturing are
the key economic drivers, Kenya’s is dependent on
agriculture as the main economic driver with weak
service and industry sectors. Further, the agriculture
practiced is majority of a subsistence nature. Some of
the factors constraining Kenya’s competitiveness and
efficiency of the economy are discussed, next.

Inefficient Urban Transport System
Kenya’s national and urban transport system is
insufficient and characterized by inefficient and
inadequate public transport systems, poor traffic
management causing congestion, unreasonable
travel time, lack of terminal facilities, poor modal split
and poor integration of modes. The national transport
system is characterized by inefficiencies ranging from
poor maintenance of national roads, low capacity of
roads, inadequate and unevenly distributed network.

The air transport has low capacity, experiences delays
in handling traffic and cargo. The international ports
& harbours are faced by low capacity, unwarranted
delays, and mismanagement, while the national
railways system is outdated (substandard gauge),
dilapidated and poorly distributed.

Urban transport particularly in the city of Nairobi is
inefficient and is characterized by heavy traffic jams
especially during peak hours. The city lacks a proper
public transport system resulting in use of vehicles
exceeding the capacity of the roads. The modal split
is in favour of private cars which is against world best
practices. Modal interchange especially air to road
transport is poor and takes up to three hours to move
from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to
the CBD, a distance of less than 20 kilometers.

Unreliable Supply and High Cost of
Energy
Despite the country having a huge potential of energy
resources, electricity supply in Kenya is characterized
by low level of accessibility and high prices. Only 15%
of the national population has access to electricity
compared to countries like Singapore (100%), South
Korea (100%), China (99%), South Africa (66%), Egypt
(95%) and Tunisia (82%). The cost of power is four
times that of South Africa and three times that of
China. Other challenges include power outages and
fluctuations which make electricity supply unreliable.
Kenya continues to rely on limited sources for oil supply
mainly the Middle East. This threatens supply security

in the event of sustained interruptions. However oil
explorations currently going on are positive and the
country has discovered hydrocarbons in Turkana.

Unreliable and high cost of energy has reduced the
country`s attractiveness for investment. There is also
increasing threat of some corporations relocating
to other countries where the cost of energy is lower
hence reducing their cost of production which in turn
will make the products more competitive. This goes
against the golden rule that “investors are primarily
driven by the fundamentals: return on investment
(ROI) relative to risk.”

Unattractive Business Climate
Competitiveness has many other dimensions
that encompass regulatory and tax frameworks,
enforceability of contracts, red tape, barriers to
competition, subsidies, corruption, and other factors.
The World Bank has tried to measure these in an “ease
of doing business” index.

By this measure the developed economies are much
more business friendly (competitive) than their
emerging market counterparts. For example, in its
2014 survey the World Bank ranks the United States,
United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan in the top 30
countries in terms of ease of doing business. On the
other hand, none of the large emerging markets is
ranked above 90.

Kenya is ranked 129 out of 198 countries (World
Bank Group, 2014) behind such countries like Egypt,
Swaziland, Ethiopia, Ghana, Seychelles and Zambia.
Among the parameters the country scores poorly are;

0 Starting a business 134

0 Getting electricity 166

0 Registering property 163

0 Paying taxes 166

0 Trading across borders 156

0 Enforcing contracts 151

0 Resolving insolvency 123

The country performs well in the field of dealing with
construction permits where it is ranked 47/189 and
getting credit scoring number 13/189. This means the
country needs to do more to become competitive
and achieve efficiency in doing business. Figure 3.3
highlights some of the problematic factors connected
with doing business in Kenya.


77

The Most Problematic Factors in Doing Business in Kenya

0 5 10 15 20 25

Tax Rates

Access to Financing

Corruption

Inadequate Supply of Access to Financing

In�ation

Crime and Theft

Complexity of  Tax Regime

Insu�cient Capacity to inoovate

Policy Instability

Poor work ethic in Labour force

Restrictive labour regulations

Inadequate Educated workforce

Poor public health

Government instability/coups

Figure 3.3: Problematic Factors Connected with doing Business

Source: National Economic and Social Council (NESC), 2016

Table 3.1: Proposed Strategies for Managing Global Competitiveness

Global Trends Constraint Opportunity Strategy

Trade liberalization and open
global market for goods and
services

• High cost of production
occasioned by high cost
of energy, inefficient
transport system,
outdated technology and
bureaucracy.

• Low quality of products
and services

• Reduced energy cost by
harnessing the diverse
sources of energy including
green and renewable
sources

• Harness the renewable
and green energy sources
to increase the energy
capacity and reduce the
cost

Open movement for capital • Low return destination
on investment due to
high costs of production,
inefficiency and outdated
technology.

• Location and investment
destinations which offer
high return on investment
at relatively low costs

• i.e. Nairobi metropolitan
area, Mombasa,
alternatively Nakuru,
Kisumu, Eldoret

• Locate export
oriented industrial and
manufacturing activities
in Nairobi and Mombasa
to leverage on their
transportation

• Encourage locations of
resource based industries
where resources are located

Increased reliance on
knowledge workers to drive
the economy.

• Lack of a conducive
environment for the
workers and their families
in the form of payments,
facilities, housing, transport,
safety

• Location and destinations
which already offers a
favourable atmosphere
for knowledge workers i.e.
Nairobi, Mombasa

• Address housing, urban
facilities, transportation.,
safety challenges to
encourage knowledge
workers and their families
to locate in Nairobi and
Mombasa primarily and
other complementary
growth nodes at county
level


78

The greatest encumbrance to doing business in
Kenya is corruption coupled with bureaucracy and
unfavorable licensing regime which have made the
country uncompetitive as a business investment
destination.

The country manifests un-competitiveness in
a number of ways including skewed balance of
trade – export/import, low level of Foreign Direct
Investments – collapsing industries, declining EPZs
firms, low level of domestic investment - related to
low incomes and savings, low ranking in GCI (position
96), comparatively low and fluctuating number of
tourists and fluctuating and declining market share
for agricultural produce in the international market
particularly for horticulture, tea, coffee.

Other constraining factors to competitiveness include
poor access to land due to complex and bureaucratic
processes, unexploited resource potentials, lack of
defined specialization and skewed developments
patterns leaving the some part of the country
undeveloped therefore reducing the attractiveness of
these areas for investment.

The National Spatial Plan seeks to promote the
strategy of global competitiveness and economic

efficiency as a means to achieving Kenya Vision 2030
objectives by developing policies that leverage on the
country`s comparative advantages and address the
factors contributing to inadequate competitiveness
(see Table 3.1).

3.3 Optimizing the Use of
Land and Natural Resources

3.3.1 Overview

The Constitution of Kenya 2010 under Article 60 calls
for efficient, productive and sustainable use of land. It
also, under Article 260, defines land broadly to mean
the surface of the earth and the subsurface rock; any
body of water on or under the surface; marine waters
in the territorial sea and exclusive economic zone;
natural resources completely contained on or under
the surface; and the air space above the surface.

Sessional Paper No. 3 of 2009 on The National Land
Policy aims at optimizing the use of land resources by
ensuring that all land is put into productive use on a
sustainable basis by facilitating the implementation
of key principles of land use, productivity targets
and guidelines as well as conservation. It encourages

Global Trends Constraint Opportunity Strategy

Economic integration and
specialization

• Insufficient economic
integration in the existing
blocks.

• Insufficient specialization
in areas where we have
comparative advantages

• Membership in economic
blocks of East African
Community (EAC) and
COMESA.

• Horticulture and service i.e.
tourism Financing

• Encourage cooperation in
planning within COMESA
and East Africa Community
to leverage on economies
of scale arising from
integration.

• Strengthen horticultural
and service industries
especially tourism to
leverage on comparative
advantage

• Defined specialization –
adopt clusters, special
economic zones, industrial
parks etc

• Promote blue economy
through exploitation of
Kenya’s water masses

Tendency of FDIs to be
attracted to countries with
steady economic growth

• Fluctuating economic
growth occasioned by local
and international factors.

• Optimize the existing
potentials in the country

• Optimize resource
exploitation especially in
marginalized regions

Emergence of knowledge,
technology and innovation
driven economies

• Insufficient embrace and
transition to knowledge,
technology and innovation
based economies

• Rich human resource base

• Strategic Location and
destinations i.e. Nairobi and
Mombasa

• Some sectors that are
already embraced ICT and
innovation

• Presence of global ICT
leading institutions

• Encourage the emergence
of ICT locations, Research
oriented institutions in the
country

• Encourage the location of
universities in outlying areas
in the country to stimulate
balanced growth


79
a multi-sectoral approach to land use, provision of
social, economic and other incentives and putting
into place an enabling environment for investment in
agriculture, livestock development, and exploitation
of natural resources.

This is also in line with Kenya Vision 2030, which
recognizes the need to organize and manage space or
land in order to be globally and regionally competitive
and realize the status of a newly industrialized country.

Sectoral policies in agriculture, tourism, environment
and energy are all geared to support the realization
of the objective of optimizing use of land and natural
resources.

The country needs to optimize the utilization of the
national territory by: reorganizing and adjusting the
way land is used to achieve overall efficiency and
sustainability. The strategy allocates land to different
activities rationally by putting into consideration the
land capabilities and potentials and by addressing
concerns arising from the need to protect and
conserve the environment.

The strategy apportions land to various land-based
needs including: protecting prime agricultural land,
prioritizing grain basket and export crop production
areas, tapping the capabilities and potentials of the
ASALs, accommodating urban growth and providing
a strategy for provision of adequate land for future
development of infrastructure and utilities.

The assessment undertaken includes:

i. Land Capability

ii. Agriculture Capability

iii. Environmental Conservation and Protection
Areas

iv. Natural Resource Potential

v. Industrial Potential

vi. Tourism potential

vii. Transport and Public Utilities

viii. Impacts of Human Settlements

ix. Land requirement

Criteria for assessment
i. Population projections

ii. Existing land use pattern

iii. Agro-ecological zones

iv. Agro-climatic zones

v. The Natural resource potential

3.3.2 Land Capability and Availability Assessment

The ability of land to support livelihoods varies
across the country. The main parameters used in the
assessment are: agro-ecological and agro-climatic
assessment; natural resources available – water,
minerals, energy, soil, flora and fauna, wildlife; physical
analysis – terrain modelling; existing land uses – built
up areas, protected areas, and agricultural production
areas.

The ASAL areas which constitute approximately
80% of the country have the ability to support large
scale livestock production as well as other economic
activities related to the same. The transition areas
have the ability to support both livestock farming
and crop farming albeit limitations of rainfall
scarcity and unreliability. The prime agricultural
areas that constitute approximately 20% have the
ability to support different types of mixed farming.
Environmentally sensitive areas which constitute
approximately 27.62% afford the country huge
opportunity to conserve the environment. These areas
are also capable of supporting low environmental
impact activities such as tourism. The areas with
physical limitations such as mountains, steep cliffs
and wet lands are unsuitable for human settlement
but may be utilized for economic activities such as
tourism, film making and research.

The land capability assessment indicates that virtually,
the entire Kenyan territory is capable of supporting
livelihoods (see Map 3.1). This analysis depicts the fact
that there is no land in Kenya that can continue to be
regarded as low potential. The implications of this is
that NSP needs to aim to make all land to be put into
economic use.

3.3.3 Agriculture Capability Assessment

The agricultural capability assessment indicates that
the country has a vast and varied agricultural capability
due to different agro-climatic and agro-ecological
zones as well as presence of natural resources such as
rivers, lakes, mountains among others. The parameters
used for the assessment included: Agro zones; existing
land use; surface and underground water; soils and
slope. The same parameters were used to assess
the high agricultural potential, rangeland potential,
mixed potential, irrigation potential and aqua-culture
potential.

The capabilities include grain basket areas whose main
function is the production of maize and wheat which
are the country’s staple food. The transition areas


80
Map 3.1: Kenya Land Availability and Suitability Assessment

Source: Department of Physical Planning, 2016


81
can play the function of producing both livestock
and crops. The areas with irrigation potential provide
an opportunity to expand the agricultural potential
and can also play the function of supplementing
agricultural production and producing high value
agricultural crops. The ASAL areas provide the function
of large scale livestock production and act as a “meat
basket” for the country and for exporting livestock
and livestock products. The areas with aquaculture
and marine-culture potential provide the function of
supporting fish farming. The areas with lake and river
fishing potential have the function of producing fish
under natural conditions while the areas with ocean
and sea fishing potential can support large scale
fishing industry.

Competition for the land resource between human
settlement and agriculture in the high potential areas
that are also grain basket areas is a major constraint to
increasing production and productivity in agriculture.
The outward expansion of the human settlement
concentrated in high potential areas and the
fragmentation of agricultural land to accommodate
rural settlement is progressively reducing the acreage
of land available for agricultural activities and in the
process reducing the agricultural potential of the
country.

Water scarcity is a major constraint in the transition
and ASAL areas hence reducing the ability of
those areas to function optimally. Poor pastoralism
practices in the rangeland areas such as overstocking
especially in areas with pasture and water has led to
overexploitation and destruction of the land resource.
On the other hand there is evidence of underutilization
of rangeland resource in areas experiencing water
and pasture scarcity.

Generally, all the agriculturally functional areas
face the challenges of inadequate transportation
infrastructure, agricultural support infrastructure
and inadequate adaptation of modern methods and
technology necessary to enhance productivity.

The NSP strategy for optimizing agricultural
potential is to address the problem of diminishing
agricultural land occasioned by human settlements
by strictly regulating the expansion of urban areas
and fragmentation of agricultural land (see Table
3.2). The NSP strategy proposes that urban growth
limits be strictly applied in grain basket areas. Similar
regulations should be applied in the other high
potential areas. Urban growth of Nairobi for instance
should be redirected to the less agriculturally potential
areas within the metropolitan growth area.

Development application for change of user in the
high potential areas should be required to present a
rigorous justification for the intention. The NSP shall
also support the intensification of the use of land
within the urban areas other than outward growth
including the development and renewal of the
existing housing stock.

Transportation infrastructure in agricultural areas
needs to be improved to connect those areas
to the markets. In addition, agricultural support
infrastructure needs to be provided to match the
function that the agricultural area is playing. The
farmers need to be encouraged and supported
to adopt modern methods and practices as well
as technology in the whole range of agricultural
capabilities that the country has.

The agricultural potential in the transition areas and
livestock production areas is negatively impacted
by the problem of water scarcity which needs to
be addressed by exploitation of underground
water potential, rainwater harvesting and optimally
harnessing the existing surface water. Encouraging
dry land farming methods and planting of drought
resistant crops is another strategy that can increase
crop productivity.

3.3.4 Environmental Conservation and Protection
Areas

The destruction of the environment is already having
serious negative impacts on livelihoods in the country
due to the functions that the environmentally fragile
as well as sensitive areas play in supporting these
livelihoods. The country can be divided into different
conservation and protection areas. The conservation
areas are ASALs, Lowlands, Highlands and the Coastal
areas while the protection areas include water towers,
forests, water bodies, wetlands, mountains, parks and
conservancies.

The environmental threats in these areas are mainly
as a result of human activities in the form of land use
practices. In the ASALs, livestock keeping practices
are likely to have the greatest negative impacts on
the environment. In the other areas, agricultural
practices of crop farming and human settlement have
profound negative impacts. These impacts are more
pronounced and on environmentally sensitive areas
such as water bodies, water towers, wetlands, forests,
mountainous areas, parks and conservancies. These
sensitive areas are scattered all over the conservation
areas. The implication, therefore, is that these areas
ought to be prioritized and protected.


82
Table 3.2: Summary of Agricultural Land Capability Assessment

Area Constraints Strategies

i. Grain baskets (Export
crop areas, other prime
agricultural areas)

• Uneconomical fragmentation
of land parcels due to human
settlements;

• Inadequate agricultural support
infrastructure

• Use of inappropriate farm inputs
and technology;

• Strictly regulating the expansion of urban areas and
fragmentation of agricultural land

• urban growth limits be strictly applied in grain basket
areas as well as other high potential areas

• Urban growth should be diverted to the less agriculturally
potential

• Presentation of a rigorous justification for the intention to
change use in prime agricultural areas.

• Transportation infrastructure in agricultural areas should
be improved

• Agricultural support infrastructure should be provided to
match the function

• Adopt modern methods and practices as well as
technology in the whole range of agricultural capabilities
that the country has.

ii. Transition areas • Use of inappropriate farm inputs
and technology;

• Water scarcity;

• Poor agricultural support
infrastructure;

• Provide subsidies to promote the use of appropriate farm
inputs and technology

• Transport infrastructure in agricultural areas should be
improved

• Agricultural support infrastructure should be provided to
match the function

• Exploit/harness potential water resources (underground,
surface and rainwater)

iii. Irrigation potential
areas

• Reduced soil fertility and depth;

• Poor agricultural support
infrastructure

• Promote the use of appropriate farm inputs and
technology by providing subsidies and incentives

• Transportation infrastructure in agricultural areas should
be improved

• Agricultural support infrastructure should be provided to
match the function

iv. Large scale livestock
areas (rangeland areas)

• Overstocking;

• Insufficient water resources

• Poor agricultural support
infrastructure

• Insecurity of tenure

• Effects of climate change

• Human-Human and human-
wildlife conflicts

• Emerging land uses

• Transportation infrastructure in agricultural areas should
be improved

• Establish the land carrying capacity

• Encourage communal ranching to replace pastoralism

• Mapping out of wildlife migratory corridors

• Encourage Plan-led development that is responsive to
local needs and resources

v. Aquaculture and
marine-culture
potential areas

• Lack of requisite equipment
and technology to tap fishing
potential.

• Provide subsidies on fishing equipment and undertake
research on best fishing practices

vi. Lake and river fishing
areas

• Pollution of water bodies and
unsustainable over-abstraction
of water from the water bodies

• Enforce existing regulations on water pollution and
regulate the abstraction of water

• Map, gazette and protect all important rivers and fishing
areas

vii. Ocean and deep sea
fishing potential areas

• Lack of appropriate equipment
and technology to tap fishing
potential.

• Climatic change

• International and national
regulations

• Water pollution

• Provide subsidies on fishing equipment and undertake
research on best fishing practices

• Control of fishing territories in the country

• control water pollution


83
The reduction of soil fertility, deforestation, pollution,
drying up of water sources, desertification and soil
erosion are some of the impacts that are arising from
the weak environmental protection and conservation
regime. As a result, this will impact negatively on the
livelihoods of communities and quality of life in the
country generally.

In effect, the country as a whole is a fragile ecosystem.
However, within it, there are areas which present
different environmental challenges and call for
different conservation measures/strategies. In
addition to this, there are specific areas which must
be ranked and protected by regulation.

The NSP environment strategy for conservation
is multi-pronged (see Table 3.3). On one hand, it
encourages conservation of highlands, lowlands,

ASALs and coastal areas which constitute the whole
national territory, on the other hand, it needs
to formulate a policy pertaining to the use and
protection of environmentally fragile areas such as
water towers, natural forests, water reservoirs (lakes
and rivers), wetlands and swamps, mountains, parks
and conservancies.

In the highlands, strict soil erosion regulation and
control measures as well as increased forest cover
through afforestation and agro-forestry shall be
applied. In the low lands, human settlement will
be discouraged and flood mitigation measures
put in place. In ASALS, sensitization and public
awareness in matters of carrying capacity will be
enhanced. In addition, modern ranching methods
will be encouraged and adapted. In the coastal
region, strict regulation of the exploitation of coastal

Table 3.3: Conservation and Protection Areas

Area Function Constraints Strategies

Conservation
areas

ASALs • Large scale
livestock
production

• Tourism

• Soil erosion

• Overstocking

• Underutilized tourism
potential

• Strict soil erosion control measures

• Commercialization of livestock
keeping

• Provide requisite livestock support
infrastructure

• Exploit tourism potential

Lowlands (lake
region)

• Crop farming;

• Human settlement

• Soil erosion;

• Deforestation;

• flooding

• Strict soil erosion control measures.

• Human settlement regulated

• Flood mitigation measures put in
place

Highlands • Prime agricultural
areas

• Human settlement

• Loss of vegetation,

• Soil erosion

• Intense forest cover through
afforestation, re afforestation and
agroforestry.

Coastal areas • Agriculture,
Fishing, Tourism

• Destruction of
coastal eco-systems:

• depletion of marine
resources

• Strict regulation of exploitation of
marine resources;

• Preparation of coastal management
plans

Protection
Area

Rank 1
Water towers,

Wetlands

Natural forests

• Recharge water
systems

• Carbon sinks and
biodiversity

• Deforestation;

• Encroachment by
human settlement
and activities
Pollution;

• Development is not permitted in
these areas except for the purpose
of eco-tourism and research.

Rank 2
Water bodies (Ocean,
lakes and rivers),

Mountains, parks
and conservancies.

• Sources of fish

• Habitants for
wildlife

• Tourism

• Drying up of water
sources;

• Pollution and
destruction of marine
ecosystem;

• Encroachment by
human settlement
and activities

• Unstainable
abstraction of water

• Control water abstraction

• Preservation and conservation of
marine biodiversity

• Mountain areas: Human settlement
is not allowed beyond certain
altitudes; Tourism related activities
are allowed.

• Parks and conservancies: controlled
development of hotels is permitted;
No change of use is permitted
except for conservation purpose


84
resources will be formulated and enforced. Moreover,
coastal management plans will be prepared and
implemented.

The NSP strategy for environmental protection areas
is based on multi-ranking criteria of function and
severity of impacts. Rank 1 consists of water towers,
wetlands and natural forests. No development is
permitted in these areas except for the purpose of
eco-tourism and research. Rank 2 comprises of water
bodies, parks, mountains and conservancies. In parks
and conservancies, controlled development of hotels
is permitted. However, change to any other use is
not permitted except for conservation purposes. In
mountains and steep areas, human settlement is not
allowed beyond certain altitudes. Tourism related
activities such as mountain climbing and nature trails
are permitted.

3.3.5 Assessment of Natural Resource Potential

The country can be divided into two natural resources
potential areas: high agricultural potential and
ASALs areas. The high agricultural potential region
has abundant natural resource potential in the form
of rich agricultural soils, wildlife (flora and fauna),
mineral deposits (like salt, soda ash, oil and coal),

energy resources, surface and underground water.
On the other hand, an assessment also indicates
that the ASAL areas which have been previously
perceived as low potential have abundant natural
resources (mineral deposits, green energy resources,
underground and surface and underground water),
irrigation potential among others that are yet to be
exploited optimally. While some of these natural
resources have been exploited optimally, others have
either been underexploited or overexploited.

The natural resources potentials offer the country
numerous opportunities: increased electricity
capacity, reduced energy costs, reliable energy
sources, transition to green energy sources and
diversification of the economy. Underground water
on the other hand augments surface water hence
increases the water stock; expands economic
opportunities in different sectors of the economy
such as irrigation; production of hydroelectric power
and increase in per capita water supply for human and
animal consumption.

Energy and mineral resources have not been fully
exploited due to inadequate technology and
exploration infrastructure. In addition, underground
water potential in both ASAL and high potential

Table 3.4: Natural Resource Assessment

Type of natural resource Level of utilization Opportunities
Constraints to optimal
utilization

Strategies

Energy – wind, solar,
geothermal and
hydroelectric power

Under utilized -Increased electricity
capacity;

-Reduced energy costs;

-Reliable energy sources;

-Transition to green
energy sources

-Inadequate technology
and exploration
infrastructure

-High costs of exploiting
available natural
resources

-Optimal utilization of the
available natural resource
potential

-Invest in appropriate
technology and
infrastructure

-Undertake further
exploration of the
available natural
resources.

Minerals - oil, soda ash,
coal, diatomite, copper,
titanium, gold among
others

-Support of diversification
of the economy
(manufacturing,
processing etc.)

Underground water Untapped accept
in Nairobi

-Augments surface water
hence increase of water
stock;

-Expansion of economic
possibilities such as
irrigation, production of
hydroelectric power;

-Increase in per capita
water supply for human
and animal consumption

-Uncoordinated
and unsustainable
exploitation of
underground water
in major urban areas
especially Nairobi

-Inadequate technology
and exploration
infrastructure

-Regulate the exploitation
of underground water
potential and

-Optimize the use of
underground water for
irrigation in dry areas.

-Invest in appropriate
technology and
infrastructure


85
areas is untapped except for high potential
areas where underground water abstraction is
uncoordinated and unsustainable. Regulations to
control the exploitation of natural resources will be
formulated to spur economic growth while ensuring
sustainability. Furthermore, appropriate technology
and transportation infrastructure will be provided
to enable continued exploration of these resources.
To harness the potential of underground water
exploitation, appropriate regulations will be adopted
to control the abstraction and use of this resource.
Underground water exploitation will especially
be promoted in dry areas to realize the irrigation
potential. In addition, appropriate technology and
exploration infrastructure will be provided to advance
the utilization of underground water. Kenya’s natural
resource potentials, constraints and strategies are
summarized in Table 3.4, next.

3.3.6 Assessment of Industrial Potential

The drivers of industrial potential are: availability
of raw materials in form of minerals; agricultural
produce that include industrial crops, food crops and
livestock products; availability of technology; skilled
human resources; availability and quality of physical
infrastructure that attract investment and availability
of markets (local or external). Industrial potential is
also influenced by availability of internal and external
markets and the ability to attract Foreign Direct
Investment in industrial activity.

Broadly, industries in the country can be classified
as urban-based industries, rural-based industries,
agro-based industries, mineral-based industries
and cottage industries. In respect of urban-based
industries, the main industrial towns are Nairobi,
Mombasa, Eldoret, Nakuru and Kisumu.

The assessment of potential was based on the following
parameters: existing industrial production areas;
mineral deposit; agro-ecological/climatic potential;
existing agricultural and industrial crop production
areas and existing potential industrial clusters – urban
centers, areas/regions. The Blue economy potential
was assessed using parameters such as the mineral
resources, existing marine activities, marine fisheries
resources, marine fragile ecosystems and marine
transportation routes.

The assessment of industrial potential reveals the
following distribution: mineral and livestock driven
industrial potential concentrated in the ASAL areas;
crop and mixed farming-driven industrial potential
in the high agricultural potential areas; urban-based
industrial potential concentrated in the urban areas
along the Northern corridor, from Mombasa to
Kisumu and Eldoret.

Rural and agro-based industries are located mainly
in the high agricultural potential areas while mineral-
based industries are located in situ-where the minerals
are found. Cottage industries are based on different
cultures and local knowledge.

The future scenario is the strengthening of the existing
urban based and agro-based industrial activity
along the Northern corridor and the emergence of
the ASAL areas as potential industrial development
areas, supported by the development of the LAPSSET
corridor.

Urban based industries are located in major urban
areas, Nairobi and Mombasa growth areas and as
a result face the constraint of inadequate supply of
land for expansion and development. Inadequate
transport infrastructure, low investments and high
energy costs are also major impediments in industrial
operations and growth. While these industries have
not lagged far much behind in terms of adaption of
appropriate technology for production, the standards
are lower than those of developed countries.

Rural based, agro-based and cottage industries
have poor linkages to the markets due to poor
transportation and support infrastructure. Low
technological adaptation for value addition and price
fluctuation are also common problems experienced
in these industries.

The growth of mineral-based industries has been
hampered by lack of appropriate equipment and
technology for exploration and exploitation. This
leads to repatriation of profits and jobs to countries
that provide the technical know-how and equipment.

To overcome the above stated obstacles, the NSP
strategy proposes that all export market oriented
industries to be directed to Nairobi growth area and
Mombasa. The material oriented industries on the
other hand should be directed to rural growth centres
and high agro-potential areas. Generally, other
measures that should be undertaken are: provide
adequate transport and support infrastructure,
diversify energy production sources to reduce costs
of production and enhance its reliability, adapt
appropriate technology and promote the formation
of cooperatives and Saccos to advance marketing in
small urban centres (Table 3.5).

3.3.7 Assessment of Tourism Potential

Tourism potential in Kenya was assessed per circuit
based on the tourism types and activities. There are
5 tourism circuits in Kenya: Central Highlands and
Rift Valley Region, Western, Northern, Southern
and Coastal circuits. The other parameters used for


86
Table 3.5: Assessment of Industrial Potential

Type of industry Potential Constraints Strategies

Urban-based
industries

Nairobi growth
area, Mombasa and
Kisumu

• Inadequate supply of land for
industrialization;

• Low investments in industry;

• High energy costs;

• Inadequate transport
infrastructure

• Direct export market oriented industries to
Nairobi growth area and Mombasa

• Direct raw material oriented industries to rural
growth centres and high agro-potential areas.

• Diversify energy production sources to
reduce costs of production and enhance
reliability

• Provide adequate infrastructure and utilities,
skilled labor and favorable government
policies Establish industrial parks

Rural based
industries

Rural growth
centres

• Low adoption of technology for
value addition.

• Poor linkage to markets

• Provide adequate, supportive transport and
infrastructure

• Diversify energy production sources to
reduce costs of production and enhance its
reliability

Agro-based
industries

High agro-
potential areas,
large scale livestock
production areas

• Low adoption of technology

• Inadequate transport
infrastructure

• Price fluctuations

• Lack of established Value chains

• Provide appropriate technology to enhance
value addition.

• Provide adequate, supportive transport and
infrastructure

• Diversify energy production sources to
reduce costs of production and enhance its
reliability

• Promote the formation of cooperatives and
Saccos to advance marketing

Mineral-based
industries

In situ • Low adoption of technology for
exploration and exploitation.

• Inadequate transport
infrastructure

• High energy costs

• Provide adequate, supportive transport and
infrastructure

• Diversify energy production sources to
reduce costs of production and enhance its
reliability

• Invest in exploration of potential mineral
reserves

Cottage industries
and crafts.

Rural areas • Insufficient market for finished
products

• Lack of frameworks to
safeguard intellectual property
rights (IPR

• Sensitize players in the sector on the aspect
of IPR and enforce regulations on the same

• Promote assertive marketing campaigns
for products both domestically and
internationally

the assessment were: land availability assessment
(areas unavailable for development which may be
converted, human settlements, current function of
urban places and transport assessment. The major
types of tourism are Safari, Urban-based, eco-tourism,
cultural, historical/heritage, rural-based, film induced
industry among others.

The assessment indicates that Kenya has high tourism
potential given Kenya’s physical features, culture/
heritage, agriculture, wildlife just to mention a few.
However, this potential has not been fully exploited as
most of the tourism types, except safari tourism, have
not been fully established. Furthermore, the sector
has seen a downward spiral mostly stemming from
insecurity challenges.

Poor quality and sometimes nonexistent infrastructure
has led to little exploitation of the tourism potential in

areas far away from Nairobi and Mombasa. In effect,
the Coastal, Southern and Central Highland circuits are
more advanced and receive more assertive marketing
compared to the Western and Northern circuits.
Encroachment of human activities into the protected
areas, weak integration of ICT in the development and
management of the tourism value chain, over reliance
on foreign tourism and few marketing ventures
targeting non-traditional tourists are other challenges
to optimal exploitation of tourism potential.

To fully harness the potential of tourism presented
by the entire country, it is paramount to enhance
the country’s security, improve transportation
infrastructure and enforce strict regulations
safeguarding protected areas and wildlife. Moreover,
to ensure stability in the demand for tourism
products throughout the year, domestic tourism
shall be promoted through incentives and subsidies.


87
Table 3.6: Assessment of Tourism Potential

Circuits Potential Existing situation Constraints Strategy

Western • Safari Tourism (Mt.
Elgon National
Reserve, Saiwa
Swamp National
Park)

Low number of visitors
to the country and the
circuit

• Poor land and airstrips
infrastructural facilities

• Encroachment of human
activities into the parks

• Over-reliance on safari and
animal tourism

• Human-wildlife conflicts

• Diversify the tourism
products based on
potentials

• Identify and improve
tourist roads

• Revive and Rehabilitate
airstrips connecting
the circuits

• Urban Tourism
(Kisumu)

• Cultural Tourism

• Rural /Agri-Tourism

• Film induced tourism

• Historical tourism

Under-utilized

Northern • Safari Tourism
(Lewa Conservancy,
Meru National Park)
Samburu National
Reserve)

Well establishedUrban
tourism (Lodwar)

• Limited safety and security
measures

• Poor marketing strategies to
promote tourism

• Weak integration of ICT
in the development and
management of the tourism
value chain

• Underdeveloped tourism sites
and products

• Insecurity in some potential
areas

• Underexploited tourism
potentials

-medical

-cinematography

-cultural

-conference

-education

• Strict enforcement of
the existing regulations
for safeguarding
protection areas.

• Promote domestic
tourism by providing
incentives and
subsidies

• Invest in ICT
infrastructure and
capitalize on online
marketing

• Increase our tourism
market segment

• Open up under-utilized
sites

• Enhance security in
tourism potential areas

• Urban Tourism
(Lodwar)

• Cultural Tourism
(Turkana)

• Rural /Agri-Tourism

• Film induced tourism

• Historical tourism
(Loyangalani, L.
Turkana the cradle of
mankind)

Not well established

Coastal • Safari Tourism
(Shimba Hills National
Reserve, Arabuko
Sokoke Forests)

• Cultural Tourism
(Mombasa, Malindi
and Lamu)

• Beach Tourism
(Mombasa)

• Urban Tourism
(Mombasa, Lamu)

• Eco- Tourism (green
tourism)

• MICE Tourism
(Mombasa)

• Historical tourism
(Mombasa, Lamu)

Southern • Safari Tourism(
Tsavo and Amboseli
National parks)

• Urban Tourism (Voi)

• Eco- Tourism (green
tourism

• Community tourism

• Historical tourism
(Olorgesaille)


88

Marketing strategies will also lay emphasis on
internationally non-traditional visitor sources.

3.3.8 Urban Land Requirement Assessment

The intention of this assessment is to establish the
future land requirements and ascertain optimal use
of the available land by supplying as much land as
is required for urbanization. This is in recognition of
the profound impact that urban expansion is having
on prime agricultural land in the high agricultural
potential and environmentally sensitive areas as
identified in the land capability assessment.

Uncontrolled development leading to wastage of land
in informal settlements, incompatible developments,
inadequate infrastructure and utilities in the outer core
of the urban areas are some of the challenges facing
urban areas. The urban land requirement assessment
reveals that the existing urban land is adequate;
however, it has not been used optimally as evidenced
by a comparatively low skyline, undeveloped areas,
urban over- hangs, derelict and decaying inner cores
in Nairobi, Kisumu and Eldoret among others.

Strategy
The NSP strategy proposes that the existing urban land
be used optimally by adapting mixed developments
(mixed-use compactness), which allows for locally
embedded institutional and commercial activity. In
addition, intensification and redevelopment shall be
promoted. Urban growth limits will be determined
subject to review given the demand for urban land.
Moreover, agglomeration of urban areas will be
controlled by maintaining green buffer zones as
urbanization will be diverted to less agricultural
potential areas and outward expansion controlled.

Finally, change of urban land use will be strictly
controlled and rigorous justification will be required.

i. Assessment of Housing requirements
in urban areas

Housing is a major urban land consumer which
influences the location of developments. In addition,
well-planned housing and infrastructure of acceptable
standards and affordable cost when combined with
essential services affords dignity, security and privacy
to the individual, the family and the community as a
whole. Adequate shelter also prevents social unrest
occasioned by depravity and frustrations of people
living in slums and informal settlements. Besides this
social function, housing is also an investment good
contributing both directly and indirectly towards
poverty reduction through employment generation,
raising of incomes, improved health and increased
productivity of the labour force hence increasing
global competitiveness. Good quality housing also
adds to the aesthetics of the environment.

Access to decent and affordable housing is a
fundamental right in to all Kenyans. Nevertheless, the
country continues to face serious shortfalls in quality
housing provision in both rural and urban areas. With
an estimated population growth rate of 3.4 % per
annum and the rate of rural-urban migration, Kenya
needs an annual provision of 206,000 housing; of
these, 82,000 is needed in urban areas.

In 2011, it was estimated by the Ministry of Housing,
that the supply of houses reached 50,000; which
was still 156,000 units below the annual demand.
This shortfall added to the already existing 2 million
units. Another shortfall of 85,000 units was added
to this backlog in the following year, 2012 (African
Development Bank Group, 2013).

Circuits Potential Existing situation Constraints Strategy

Central
highlands
and Great
Rift Valley

• Urban Tourism
(Nairobi, Naivasha,
Nakuru)

• Safari Tourism
(Nairobi National
park, Nakuru National
Park, Maasai Mara
National park)

• Sports Tourism
(Athletics-Uasin
Gishu)

• Medical Tourism
(Nairobi)

• MICE Tourism(Nairobi,
Naivasha)

• Eco- Tourism (green
tourism)


89
It is in the urban areas where the worst housing
challenges are manifesting a scenario which grew
over time when the rate of supply of medium and low
cost housing could not keep up with the massive rate
at which rural households were migrating into urban
areas. This deficit has largely been contributed to by
the lackluster involvement of the government in the
provision of low and middle income housing leaving
it to the private developers. The result of this scenario
is that private developers have focused largely on
the more profitable market segments; provision of
high and upper middle income housing units which
are not affordable to the majority of urban dwellers
with low incomes. Moreover, the existing institutional
housing structures have seen massive decay over the
years owing to non-existent repair and maintenance
policies.

Housing problems are further compounded by high
density populations of people residing in relatively
spatially limited areas hence compromising provision
of social amenities and services like education and
health care as well as clean water supply and waste
disposal. This problem has mostly arisen from
increasing cost of land acquisition in urban areas,
high cost of building materials and high level of urban
poverty.

In essence, the proliferation of informal settlements
to fill the supply gap is a challenge that has in itself
caused other critical planning issues including
unhygienic living conditions, spread of water and
airborne diseases, moral decay and general feeling
of disillusionment and apathy among the residents.
According to the Kenyan 2009 population census,
over 30% of the country’s population lives in slums. In
Nairobi alone, it was estimated that over 1 million out
of a city population of 3.2 million lived in slums, with
only 3% living in a house with permanent walls, water
and electricity.

There is unavailability of land for housing because
of land ownership for speculative purposes,
uncoordinated and disjointed manner in which land
is availed for development. Moreover, restrictive land
tenure security laws which make acquisition of land
on which informal settlements sprawl have further
contributed to the increase in slum dwellings.

Nevertheless, housing challenges are also experienced
in rural areas with the difference being that people are
capable of putting up traditional dwelling units using
affordable materials. However, the quality of most of
these houses is wanting.

To overcome the above discussed obstacles in
providing housing, NSP strategy proposes stricter

enforcement and regular review of the existing
legislative and regulatory instruments governing
land-use planning, administration and management
(Table 3.7). This way, development control will be
upheld and intensified to avoid illegal developments
and construction.

The government needs to aim to provide serviced land
(infrastructure and utilities) for housing development.
This guides development direction and at the same
time cuts down on development costs thus making
housing more affordable.

The government needs to establish a land bank for
public housing through purchase or compulsory
acquisition of land that is not fully optimized for
future developments. In addition, the government
shall provide incentives to developers or prospective
home owners who wish to add to the housing stock of
middle and low income cadres by lowering the cost of
building materials, cutting down tax on rental houses
among others.

There is need to undertake an inventory of all the
existing informal settlements in urban areas to
establish the insufficient services and infrastructure
for purposes of upgrading them to more habitable
dwelling areas. Moreover, incentives can be provided
to squatters to buy the land they occupy at subsidized
rates for shelter development through waiver of fees
on surveying, subdivision, change of user and transfer.

The government needs to impose a progressive tax
over and above the current land rents and rates on
undeveloped urban land to help curb speculative
activities hence slum proliferation and release land
for development. Finally, the existing housing estates
that do not provide a permissible and best use of
land need to be re-planned and redeveloped. The
re-planning and re-development of the existing
housing estates that do not provide for maximum
permissible or highest and best use of land however,
need to well-planned housing is in order to safeguard
the socio-economic lifestyles of low-income
households, wherever they are affected.

ii. Assessment of Land Requirements
for Transportation and Public Utilities

Transportation Network
The transport sector plays a pivotal role in the growth
of Kenya’s economy. Kenya Vision 2030 aspires for a
country firmly interconnected through a network
of roads, railways, ports, airports, water ways, and
telecommunications. The National Transport Policy
aims at achieving a world-class integrated transport
system responsive to the needs of people and


90
Table 3.7: Housing Requirement Assessment

Issues Opportunities Strategy

Lack of enforcement of existing
legislation on housing development
and land use

• Adequate land for housing

• There is room for public-private
partnerships in the provision of
housing;

• Availability of local building materials
and technology that are more
affordable;

• Availability of infrastructure in some
decaying estates;

• National land reforms established a
GIS based National Land Information
Management System (NLIMS) for land
management;

• Enforce, harmonize and regularly review
the existing legislative and regulatory
instruments; alleviate the wastage of land in
informal settlement and encourage infill and
mixed development

Housing demand outstrips supply
hence deficit in good quality
housing supply

• Bridge the Gap between housing demand
and supply by: government returning
to provision of rental housing schemes,
promote public-private partnership; offer
incentives, tax rebates and subsidies to
lower construction materials; promote the
use locally available building material and
indigenous knowledge;

Little government involvement in
housing provision which has left in
the hands of private developers

Slum proliferation • Inventorize all the slums and upgrade them;

• Incentives can be provided to squatters to
buy the land they occupy at subsidized rates

Appropriate transport infrastructure
and utilities

• Provide adequate and appropriate
infrastructure;

• Government and/or PPP to provide site
and serviced properties; Vigorous land
readjustment and provide infrastructure in
informal settlements or in agricultural areas.

Insecurity of tenure, land ownership
for speculative purposes and
unregulated land acquisition for
housing developments

• Impose a progressive tax over and above the
current land rents and rates on vacant urban
land; Operationalize sectional titling to
provide shelter other than land. Encourage
pooling of land for bulky housing.

Lack of enforcement of existing
legislation on housing development
and land use

• Adequate land for housing

• There is room for public-private
partnerships in the provision of
housing;

• Availability of local building materials
and technology that are more
affordable;

• Availability of infrastructure in some
decaying estates;

• National land reforms established a
GIS based National Land Information
Management System (NLIMS) for land
management;

• Enforce, harmonize and regularly review
the existing legislative and regulatory
instruments; alleviate the wastage of land in
informal settlement and encourage infill and
mixed development

• Housing demand outstrips supply
hence deficit in good quality
housing supply

• Bridge the Gap between housing demand
and supply by: government returning
to provision of rental housing schemes,
promote public-private partnership; offer
incentives, tax rebates and subsidies to
lower construction materials; promote the
use locally available building material and
indigenous knowledge;

Little government involvement in
housing provision which has left in
the hands of private developers

• Inventorize all the slums and upgrade them;

• Incentives can be provided to squatters to
buy the land they occupy at subsidized rates

Slum proliferation • Provide adequate and appropriate
infrastructure;

• Government and/or PPP to provide site
and serviced properties; Vigorous land
readjustment and provide infrastructure in
informal settlements or in agricultural areas.

Appropriate transport infrastructure
and utilities

• Impose a progressive tax over and above the
current land rents and rates on vacant urban
land; Operationalize sectional titling to
provide shelter other than land. Encourage
pooling of land for bulky housing.

Insecurity of tenure, land ownership
for speculative purposes and
unregulated land acquisition for
housing developments


91
industry by developing, operating and maintaining
an efficient, cost effective, safe, secure and integrated
transport system that links the transport policy with
other sectoral policies.

Kenya Vision 2030 highlights the following flagship
projects in a bid to make transport more efficient
and reliable. A 50-year Integrated National Transport
Master Plan; Dredging and /deepening of Mombasa
Port; Nairobi metropolitan region bus rapid transit;
development of light rail for Nairobi and its suburbs;
Development of a new transport corridor to Southern
Sudan and Ethiopia (LAPSSET Corridor); National
road safety program to fast-track implementation of
the National Road Safety Action Plan; Computerized
information maintenance management systems
program to manage our roads, bridges and pavements;
rehabilitation and maintenance of airstrips and airport
expansion and modernization.

The assessment was based on the following
parameters: existing transportation infrastructure,
potential functions of the existing transportation
infrastructure, international linkages, county linkages,
and intra-county linkages, distribution of activities
and functional areas and centers. Table 3.8 shows the
composition of the transportation networks in the
country.

Table 3.8: Key Modes of Transport and their Coverage

Road

Total length of
Road

160,886 Km

Paved Roads 11,189 Km

Unpaved Roads 149,689 Km

Airports and
airstrips

Total number 181

With paved
runways

16

With unpaved
Runways

165

Railways
Total Length 2,778 Km

Gauge 1.0 m (Metre/
Narrow )

Pipelines 1224.45 Km

Ports and
Terminals

Mombasa Sea Port and IWT Port at
Kisumu

Source: KeNHA, 2014

Currently, the transport network in Kenya lacks inter-
modal integration as each network is managed and
operated independently thus hampering efficiency,
connectivity and functionality. Moreover, good
transport networks are concentrated on the Southern
part of the country while the Northern part lacks
adequate connectivity.

Availing land for transport is a challenge in Kenya due
to the private ownership of land and the expenses that
can be incurred in compensation. As the development
of the country accelerates as is envisaged, there will
be need to avail land for transport infrastructure and
public utilities in the urban and rural areas as well as
the emerging development areas along transport
corridors. Moreover, land set aside for transport
infrastructure development such as road reserves
have been encroached into by human activities.

The main challenge facing transport in Kenya is the
poor condition of the infrastructure due to lack of
maintenance. This potentially impacts negatively on
the efficiency of movement and seamless integrations
between various modes of transport.

Transportation infrastructure tends to have adverse
environmental impacts in terms of emission of GHG,
oil spills into water bodies, leaking pipelines and noise
pollution. In some instances, transport networks
pass through environmentally sensitive areas such as
National parks and reserves.

The sector is managed by many institutions charged
with maintenance, rehabilitation and development
which make it difficult to coordinate the activities of
the various agencies in determining their financial
requirements and address the problems in a
synchronized manner.

The NSP strategy proposes Development and
maintenance of an integrated, safe and efficient road,
rail, water, pipeline and air transport network in the
country, prioritizing the development of transport
corridors linking Kenya to the rest of the region.
Additionally, the existing transport infrastructure
needs to be optimized and leveraged on the
committed infrastructure that is already programed
to be delivered.

The government shall repossess the encroached land
as well as establish a land bank for future transport
infrastructure development through purchase or
compulsory acquisition of land that is not fully
optimized. Moreover, the government shall take
appropriate measures to enhance private sector
participation in infrastructure development, such as
the provision of incentives in sectors such as transport
and communication.

Use of green transport such as walking and cycling
shall be promoted through provision of designated
pedestrian walkways and cycle lanes to curb
environmental pollution and improve aesthetics
especially in urban areas.


92
To achieve better coordination in the management
and development of transport infrastructure, a policy
will be formulated to harmonize the functions of
institutions and bodies currently charged with the
same; KERA, KURA, KENHA, NTSA and the Ministry in
charge.

Urban Transport
Urbanization has been one of the dominant
contemporary processes as a share of the growing
global population lives in cities. Considering this
trend, urban transportation issues are of foremost
importance to support the passengers and freight
mobility requirements of large urban agglomerations.
Transportation in urban areas is highly complex
because of the modes involved, the multitude of
origins and destinations, and the amount and variety
of traffic.

The main roles of transport: Efficient and reliable
urban transport systems are crucial to sustain a high
growth rate and alleviate poverty; Services and
manufacturing industries particularly concentrate
around major urban areas, and require efficient and
reliable urban transport systems to move workers and
connect production facilities to the logistics chain.

In major cities and urban areas, especially in Nairobi,
Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu and Eldoret, urban
transport is largely controlled by the private sector
(mostly buses and matatus). Intercity passenger
transport services are mainly provided by buses,
matatus, and cars and to a lesser extent by air and rail
transport.

Besides vehicular transport, cycling and walking are
other means of passenger transport in urban areas.
Majority of the urban poor find public transport costly
and financially inaccessible and hence meet their
needs through walking and head loading.

The defining trait of urban transportation is the
ability to cope with density (of people, activities, and
structures) while moving people and goods. Density
creates challenges for urban transportation because of
crowding and the expense of providing infrastructure
in built-up areas. It also creates certain advantages
because of economies of scale: some transportation
activities are cheaper when carried out in large
volumes. These characteristics mean that two of the
most important phenomena in urban transportation
are traffic congestion and mass transit.

Urban areas experience inefficient public transport
system as the transport sector is characterized by
high and fluctuating costs for passengers and freight
transport, poor safety standards, and unreliability of
public transport.

Major urban areas have inadequate capacity to
accommodate the growing number of traffic volumes
resulting to congestion (see Plate 3.1). This is caused
by poorly designed interchanges, through traffic,
narrow roads and poor traffic management systems.
Inadequate parking spaces and terminal facilities also
aggravate the situation since motorists have to pick
and drop passengers on undesignated areas causing
more traffic snarl-ups.

Plate 3.1: Traffic Congestion on the Thika-Nairobi Super Highway

Source: National Department of Physical Planning, 2015

National Spatial Plan, 2015-2045

149


Department of Physical Planning

Plate 3.1: Traffic Congestion on the Thika Super Highway-Nairobi


Source: National Department of Physical Planning, 2015

Generally, urban transport infrastructure in Kenya is in poor state due to insufficient allocation of
financial resources for maintenance of transport infrastructure. Most roads (both paved and
unpaved) have potholes and become impassable during rainy seasons. The railway line serving
the Nairobi Metropolitan as well as other towns such as Nakuru and Mombasa is dilapidated and
mostly used for freight transport.

Non-Motorized transport (pedestrians, cyclists and carts) infrastructure is not adequately
provided for in urban areas evidence to preference of MT to NMT. Furthermore, there is lack of
modal integration within the urban areas and this gap can be closed by using NMT. However,
people prefer using their private cars which are more convenient since no modal transfer will be
required.

Land encroachment and illegal land allocation along urban transport corridors constrains the use
of the network and expansion reducing the capacity of the networks. The sector is managed by
many institutions charged with road maintenance, rehabilitation and development which make it
difficult to coordinate the activities of the various road agencies in determining their financial
requirements and address the problems in a synchronized manner. Finally, transport is a major
contributor in environmental pollution through oil spills, emission of GHGs among others.

The urban transportation strategy will focus on the development of an integrated, efficient and
reliable urban transportation system in all major urban centres of Kenya (see Table 3.9). To
achieve a fully integrated network system, NSP proposes the creation of one single
multimodal/multifunction transportation authority to oversee public transportation including rail
systems, bus routing and other para-transit modes.


93
Table 3.9: Summary of Transport Constraints and Strategies

Mode of
transport

Issues and challenges Potentials Projects Strategy

Road • Most roads are in poor
condition;

• Lack of coordination
of activities by various
agencies in charge of
the sector;

• Lack of NMIMT
infrastructure;

• Congestion and on
street trading in urban
areas;

• Uncontrolled
motorcycle outburst in
both rural and urban;

• Inadequate parking
space especially in
urban areas

• Encroachment and/
or grabbing of road
reserves;

• Inadequate or lack
of terminal facilities
hence picking
and dropping
of passengers in
undesignated areas.

• Congestion and on
street trading in urban
areas;

• Poor transport
infrastructure;

• Missing links (poor
connectivity);

• Poor quality of
transport services;

• Inappropriate modal
split;

• Unexploited regional
role of the transport
system;

• Transport system not
fully integrated;

• Urban environmental
pollution

• Lack of an urban/rural
transport policy;

• Inadequate human
resource capacity

• Rapid urbanization;

• increased
accessibility;

• Increased trade and
investments;

• Increased revenue;

• Exploitation of
untapped resources;

• Reduction of
transport costs;

• Opening up of
undeveloped areas
such the northern
parts of Kenya;

• Introduction of a Bus
Rapid Transit (BRT)
along selected routes
within NMR as a
project within Mass
Rapid Transit System
(MRTS)

• The ongoing
construction of
bypasses and rings
to divert traffic from
urban areas in towns
such as Eldoret, Meru
and Nairobi;

• Construction of
LAPSSET corridor
which will result to
urbanization along it;

• Upgrading and
construction of roads
in various part of the
country is ongoing;

• Draft Non-Motorized
Transport Policy by
UNED seeks to address
the promotion of
NMT transport and its
integration into the
transport system.

• Integrate transport corridor planning;

• Undertake a national transport
survey to develop guidelines and
a framework of principles for rural,
inter-county and inter-city transport
policy;

• Repossess and revert all illegally
acquired land for roads infrastructure;

• Preserve and secure adequate land
for future transport and other related
infrastructural development;

• Promote the purchase and use of
high occupancy public transport
vehicles and discourage the use of
private vehicles;

• Create linkages to agricultural, tourist
and urban areas;

• Enforce a regulatory standard
requirement for all public transport
service operators;

• Encourage private sector
participation;

• Implement the proposed LAPSSET
Corridor;

• upgrading of all the roads

• Construction of bypasses and ring
roads to divert traffic from city
centres;

• Proper traffic management system
for urban areas;

• Encouragement of use green
transport;

• Consolidate and explore new
funding sources.

• Connect all the county headquarters
with proper transportation system

• Formulate regulations and guidelines
to control development along
transportation corridors.

• Upgrade all the National Trunk roads
to Superhighways:

i. The Trans-African
(Namanga-Moyale),

ii. Nairobi-Liboi,

iii. Garissa- Mandera,

iv. Isiolo-Mandera,

v. Isibania-Lokichogio.

• Introduce a Primary Corridor along
the North- South axis


94
Mode of
transport

Issues and challenges Potentials Projects Strategy

Rail • Poor condition of the
existing railway line

• Poor institutional
management ;

• Lack of cargo handling
equipment;

• Unreliability of the
railway transport ;

• Rapid urbanization;

• increased
accessibility;

• Increased trade and
investments;

• Increased revenue;

• Exploitation of
untapped resources;

• Reduction of
transport costs;

• Opening up of
undeveloped areas
such the northern
parts of Kenya;

• The on-going Standard
Gauge Railway (SGR)
will offer faster services
to both passengers
and freight;

• Introduction of a
commuter rail network
within NMR as a
project within MRTS

• Adopt rail car transport in urban
areas;

• Implement construction phase 2 of
the standard gauge railway (SGR);

• Improve institutional management of
railway transport;

• Develop and expand the railway line
across the country and make it the
core national mode of transport.

• Develop a policy to enhance optimal
utilization of the existing railway line
and the stations

Air • Insufficient and
ineffective linkages
between airports and
other transport modes;

• High maintenance
cost;

• Poor condition of most
airports and airstrips;

• Lack of demand as
most businesses are
located in Nairobi;

• Encroachment/
grabbing of airports
influence area;

• Rapid urbanization;

• increased
accessibility;

• Increased trade and
investments;

• Increased revenue;

• Exploitation of
untapped resources;

• Reduction of
transport costs;

• Opening up of
undeveloped areas
such the northern
parts of Kenya;

• Expansion of JKIA,
construction of a new
airport near Thika as
well as upgrading of
various airstrips and
airfields.

• Improve and expand existing airports
and airstrips;

• Improve linkages between airports
and the city centres;

• Enforce development control
measures within and around airports.

Pipeline • The pipeline’s
interface with other
transport modes
such as roads, rail
and marine transport
is not planned and
integrated efficiently;

• Rapid urbanization;

• Increased trade and
investments;

• Increased revenue;

• Reduction of
transport costs;

• Opening up of
undeveloped areas
such the northern
parts of Kenya;

None • Integrate the pipeline transport with
other modes of transport;

• Expand the pipeline to enhance
regional integration

Marine
and Inland
Water

• Delays In Cargo
Handling;

• Bureaucracy;

• Low storage capacity;

• Non-operation ICDs
(safe for those in
Kisumu and Nairobi);

• Inadequate
harmonization and
overlap in the many
legislations that
govern its activities;

• Lack of institutional
capacity;

• Stiff competition from
private developers and
other countries.

• Increased trade and
investments;

• Increased revenue;

• Reduction of
transport costs;

• Construction of Lamu
Port project will open
up Lamu and other
surrounding towns as
there will be a more
efficient connectivity;

• Planned expansion of
the Port by adding the
number of berths.

• Restructure management of ports
and inland water transport;

• Expand ports to handle more cargo;

• Maximize use of inland water
transport;

• Develop and maintain ICDs;

• Ensure construction and completion
of the Lamu port;

• Provide adequate infrastructure to
ports;

• Optimize the split of cargo between
road, rail and pipeline.


95
Generally, urban transport infrastructure in Kenya is
in poor state due to insufficient allocation of financial
resources for maintenance of transport infrastructure.
Most roads (both paved and unpaved) have potholes
and become impassable during rainy seasons. The
railway line serving the Nairobi Metropolitan as
well as other towns such as Nakuru and Mombasa is
dilapidated and mostly used for freight transport.

Non-Motorized transport (pedestrians, cyclists and
carts) infrastructure is not adequately provided for
in urban areas evidence to preference of MT to NMT.
Furthermore, there is lack of modal integration within
the urban areas and this gap can be closed by using
NMT. However, people prefer using their private cars
which are more convenient since no modal transfer
will be required.

Land encroachment and illegal land allocation along
urban transport corridors constrains the use of the
network and expansion reducing the capacity of the
networks. The sector is managed by many institutions
charged with road maintenance, rehabilitation and
development which make it difficult to coordinate the
activities of the various road agencies in determining
their financial requirements and address the problems
in a synchronized manner. Finally, transport is a major
contributor in environmental pollution through oil
spills, emission of GHGs among others.

The urban transportation strategy will focus on the
development of an integrated, efficient and reliable
urban transportation system in all major urban centres
of Kenya (see Table 3.9). To achieve a fully integrated
network system, NSP proposes the creation of one
single multimodal/multifunction transportation
authority to oversee public transportation including
rail systems, bus routing and other para-transit modes.

The Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) which
incorporates a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and a commuter
rail shall be introduced on major highways within the
major urban centers. In addition all the feeder roads,
railway lines, airports and airstrips shall be upgraded
and maintained to uphold the quality.

The use of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) will
complement the development of modern urban
public transport facilities. This system, which relies
upon advanced electronics communications and IT
for monitoring and tracking real time information
on traffic flows and volumes is needed for better
management of limited road space.

Detailed conurbation studies will be required to
prioritize provision of infrastructure to achieve the
desired modal split and to coordinate the location of
fixed track networks in areas of high demand.

All the illegally acquired land for roads infrastructure
shall be repossessed and reverted to the responsible
agency. Moreover adequate land for future transport
infrastructure development shall be reserved and
secured.

The purchase and use of high occupancy public
transport vehicles shall be promoted and the use
of private vehicles shall be discouraged once public
transport is efficient in urban areas.

To curb congestion in the city centres, bypasses and
ring roads shall be constructed to divert traffic. Proper
traffic management system for urban areas can also
help in reduction of traffic jams as well as accidents. Use
of green transport in urban areas shall be encouraged
because it is environmentally friendly and affordable.
An urban transport policy shall be developed with
the objective of achieving an integration of urban
transport planning and management.

3.3.9 Public Utilities

To achieve a spatial and balanced regional
development and to meet the demands of the
growing population there is need to develop and
enhance economic infrastructure such as water
services, waste management, energy and ICT to
provide the foundation for economic development.

Water and Sanitation
Kenya vision for the water and sanitation sector is “to
ensure water and improved sanitation availability and
access to all by 2030”.Water is essential for domestic,
industrial and agricultural purposes. Unreliable access
to clean, sufficient water has often hampered the
advancement of agriculture and industries across the
country. Moreover, outbreaks of waterborne diseases
like cholera have been reported severally owing to
water scarcity and inappropriate sanitation provision.

Provision of clean water and proper sanitation
facilities in urban areas ought to be given immense
emphasis owing to the rapid rate at which rural
populations are moving into urban setups, straining
the already insufficient resources. In most rural areas,
people fetch water for domestic use directly from the
sources due to lack of infrastructure, a scenario which
compromises conservation efforts and the ultimate
quality of water.

To close the gap of water and sanitation needs of the
growing population in the country, the NSP proposes
that waters sources and catchments areas such as
aquifers, dams, and water recharge areas should
be protected. Existing water bodies and wetlands
should be protected and rehabilitated by creating
appropriate buffers between these sources and other
non-compatible land uses


96
There is need to invest in water harvesting
technologies and storage facilities in areas classified
as water stressed areas such as ASALs. In addition
suitable technologies should be used to exploit
potential underground water to increase the total
supply of water in the country.

Appropriate water reticulation network should be
developed to promote equitable water distribution
throughout the country

The NSP strategy also proposes that appropriate
sanitation infrastructure including collection, disposal
and treatment system be developed and upgraded to
cover all urban areas and meet the growing demands
of the urban population.

Solid Waste Management
Proper and efficient solid waste management is
critical if the urban areas are to become functional
and livable. Most of Kenya’s urban centres lack a
system of solid waste management leading to pile up
of garbage in many places.

Kenya is urbanizing fast and the amount of solid waste
generated is escalating posing serious solid waste
management challenges. As the rate of urbanization
increases it’s estimated that the amount of municipal
waste generated will increase from 2,000 tons per day
in 2012 to approximately 10,000 tons per day by 2025.
The bulk of these waste is generated in major urban
areas with Nairobi producing 3,200 tons, Mombasa
750 tons and Kisumu 400 tons per day respectively .

Most of the urban areas are devoid of solid waste
management facilities. Dumping sites are almost
nonexistent and where they exist they are poorly sited,
capacity has been exceeded and are poorly managed.

The Plan proposes the construction and upgrading of
integrated solid waste facilities to enable the proper
collection, sorting, treatment and disposal of solid
waste. The Plan also promotes the reduce, reuse and
recycle guidelines.

Energy
Energy is one of the infrastructural enablers of the three
pillars of Kenya Vision 2030. The level and intensity of
commercial energy use in a country is a key indicator
of the degree of economic growth and development.
Kenya is therefore expected to use more energy in
the commercial sector on the road to realizing the
aspirations of Kenya Vision 2030. As incomes increase
and urbanization intensifies, household demand for
energy will also rise.

The various source of energy in the country include
Hydro, geothermal, wind, solar and Biomass
Cogeneration. Hydropower is the single largest
generation source for grid electricity in Kenya
providing approximately 761MW corresponding to
50% of the total installed grid capacity with estimated
potential of 3000MW.

Demand for electricity in Kenya is projected to grow
at 7% per annum over the next ten years and there
is need to exploit the natural endowment of varied
natural sources such as wind, solar and geothermal
in the country. This will help meet growing energy
demand. Deliberate measures have therefore to be
taken to develop these potential energy sources.

Due to lack of proper assessment and research
there is unsustainable exploitation of green energy
potentials in the country leading to adverse
environmental effects such as land degradation
and desertification. This is exacerbated by lack of
relevant policy framework that guide the taping
and use of these resources. Development of power
infrastructure is another challenge because building
of power generation, transmission and distribution
network is capital intensive and therefore the high
cost is transmitted to the consumers making access a
challenge.

The NSP Strategy proposes that potential renewable
energy such as solar, wind, biomass and geothermal
be harnessed and transmission and distribution
infrastructure developed.

Similarly, a policy framework needs to be developed
to guide and regulate the exploitation and use
of potential green energy sources by developing
standards and promoting research and planning.
Energy efficiency systems and energy demand
management systems will also be implemented
through promotion and use of most appropriate
energy-consuming equipment to ensure efficient and
productive use of energy.

3.3.10 Information and Communication Technology
(ICT)

The ICT sector has been growing favourably in keeping
with the rapidly changing global trends. The sector
encompasses telephony, ICT parks, internet, print
and electronic media. Prices for ICT services in Kenya
are relatively high. Charges for fixed-line, mobile,
and international calling, and for Internet access,
are significantly higher in Kenya than in comparable
African countries.


97
Kenya has emerged as an African ICT hub in the last
decade. The ICT and innovation sector has grown
in leaps and bounds as evidenced by the growth of
M-pesa and other mobile money transfer service
provided by Safaricom which have put Kenya on the
global map. ICT plays a strategic role in the economic
and social development and the realization of Kenya
Vision 2030 which underscores universal access of
ICT related infrastructure as a major objective to its
achievement.

The expansion and growth of ICT contributes
enormously in reduction of transaction cost and
general business efficiency providing a conducive
business environment and improvement of the
education sector as well as ensuring accountability in
governance.

Although the sector has registered substantial
growth, the disparity in internet access between
urban and rural areas continues to increase. In most
urban areas, the rate of access is above 15 percent,
whereas penetration is less than 3 percent in some
rural areas. The impediments to ICT infrastructural
development partly explain the disproportionately
high concentration of internet subscribers in Kenya’s
two largest cities, Nairobi and Mombasa.

Kenya has a 5,500 KMs of Fibre Optic Cable connecting
Fujeira, UAE with Mombasa. The National Optic Fiber
Backbone Infrastructure (NOFBI) connecting the rest
of the country to the world from Mombasa is in place.
The government is also developing External National
Fiber Optic Network to all Cell sites in the country and
so far 20,000 Km have been completed.

Health, education stadia and ICT sub sectors are faced
with the problem of disparity in location. This makes
ICT inaccessible to majority of Kenyans. Infrastructure
sector therefore faces problems regarding poor
connection, low coverage, un- reliability, high costs
and skewed distribution.. To rectify this situation
clear indicative policy, strategies and measures have
to be developed and implemented to achieve overall
efficiency. Table 3.10 illustrates the proportion of
population that has access to some selected ICT
services.

Table 3.10: Proportion of Population with Access to ICT
Services

Services Numbers

1. Mobile Subscriptions 33.6 million

2. Fixed Network Subscriptions 251,576 lines

3. Broadband subscriptions (speeds
greater or equal to 256kbps in or out)

1,002,701
million

4. Internet penetration 41.1%

5. International internet used bandwidth
328,641 Mbps

186 Mbps

6. International Internet Available
Bandwidth

906, 186
Mbps

7. Broadcasting Radio

Broadcasting Television

Number of Postal Outlets

99

16

634

Source: Adopted from Draft ICT Policy, 2013

To bridge the gap of supply and demand of ICT
related infrastructure and harness potentials, the NSP
strategy proposes promotion of Kenya as an ICT hub
in East Africa, Africa and globally by building relevant
ICT infrastructure and expansion of the existing
network to all major urban areas and rural growth
centres and nodes; Mainstream ICT at all sectors to
promote service, increase efficiency and productivity
and improve on existing platforms such as Huduma
centre, BPO services and E-government; and expand
the fiber optic network to all urban areas to increase
the coverage and data connectivity and increase
access for rural population.

3.3.11 Social Infrastructure

i. Higher Education
Kenya’s higher education sector is expected to
provide globally competitive, quality education,
training and research for sustainable development to
position the country as a regional centre for research
and development of new technologies in the drive
towards meeting the country’s Vision 2030.

Higher education encompasses universities,
technical, industrial, vocational and entrepreneurship
training. These institutions play the crucial role of
building human capital to serve in various capacities,
thereby contributing immensely to economic, social
and political development of the country. These
institutions are centres for research, making them a
source of creativity and innovation which increase
Kenya’s overall global competitiveness. Tertiary
education institutions are a source of employment for
many tutors who impart knowledge as well as several
subordinate staff who facilitate their functioning.
Currently, there are 22 public universities, 24 private
universities of which 14 are fully chartered institutions
as well as 12 universities with Letters of Interim


98
Authority. There are numerous middle level and
technical training colleges scattered throughout the
country, in favour of urban areas.

Access to high quality tertiary education has been
hampered by numerous challenges mainly stemming
from high levels of poverty and insufficient quality
control mechanisms by the government. Since the
country’s first university was established in 1970
(The University of Nairobi), the country still faces a
transition rate from secondary to higher education
institutions of below 50%. The transition rate from
Class One to institutions of higher learning is even
much less at below 20%. Nevertheless, there has been
a steady increase yearly in the overall enrollment of
students into tertiary education institutions.

Challenges in acquisition of land for expansion of
government-run colleges and universities has proven
to be a hindrance to development of these institutions,
further dimming the vision for effectively increasing
the high school to college transition rates without
compromising the quality of education offered.

Additionally, the government has not strictly regulated
or effectively monitored the quality of infrastructure
and of courses offered by many institutions of higher
learning before allowing them to operate, which
compromises the quality of resultant graduates.
Many university and college graduates exhibit little
competence and preparedness for the job market
leading to costly incompetency in their various fields
and reducing their ability to contribute to the general
development of the country.

Furthermore, due to budgetary constraints, many
public colleges and universities and even private
institutions put little emphasis on research and
innovation thereby forcing many Kenyans to go
abroad in search of skills and technologies which
could easily be generated in the country.

The NSP proposes to enhance the country’s higher
education sector by increasing enrollment capacity
by providing land for construction, upgrading and
expansion of existent public institutions of higher
learning including village polytechnics and vocational
training centres. This will be achieved through
acquisition of land to construct new campuses
or expand the existing ones through maximum
optimization of available spaces owned by the
institutions. Further, the government will encourage
the establishment of higher learning institutions
in Northern Kenya by making requisite budgetary
allocations and giving incentives to private universities
to expand their campuses into these areas as well as
other parts of the country. Government funding to

students joining both public and private middle level
colleges and universities will be increased to give
more chances to students from poor backgrounds.

ii. Sporting Infrastructure
Kenya’s Vision 2030 aims at investing in the people
of Kenya in order to improve their overall quality of
life. Sport is a major entertainment and employment
sector in the country with the most popular being
athletics, football, rugby, motorsports, volleyball,
boxing, basketball, swimming and cricket. The country
has gained much international glory for its successes
in athletics, rugby and swimming. Sport also enhances
the overall wellness of those who participate in it by
helping to keep them fit and lowering stress levels.

In spite of the noteworthy successes that the country
has made in this sector, sporting infrastructure
remains non-existent in many parts of the country
and poorly maintained, underutilized and neglected
in major towns.

Little budgetary allocation (by the national
and presently by the county governments) to
sporting infrastructure has seen it remain largely
underdeveloped. In addition, there is little security
given to stadia to guard against vandalism and misuse
owing to non-existent or inefficient institutional
organization for management. Little promotion of
sport as a decent, income earner has also contributed
to these trends. In some scenarios, difficulty to access
land for establishment or expansion of sporting
infrastructure has led to absence of much-needed
sporting grounds. In many places, land set aside for
sporting infrastructure has not been utilized, creating
room for grabbing. All of these scenarios have denied
Kenya the chance to host several high profile regional
sporting competitions.

To develop the country’s sporting infrastructure,
the national and county governments will set
aside budgetary allocations for acquisition of land
for construction of new stadia as determined by
thorough Needs’ Assessment strategies (see Table
3.11). To revamp and upgrade the existing sporting
infrastructure, both county and national governments
will avail sufficient funds to provide all the necessary
stadia facilities and auxiliary utilities. Moreover, stadia
management boards will be established for each
major sporting facility to oversee repairs, upgrades,
maintenance and general management of the
infrastructure. The government will also spearhead
the formation of sporting academies to nurture
sporting talent and thus, increase the use of sports
facilities.


99
Table 3.11: Summary of Social Infrastructure

Infrastructure Issues Opportunities Strategies

Sporting
Infrastructure

• Poor management of existent
infrastructure

• Skewed distribution

• Lack of proper repair and
maintenance structures

• Little modernization
and upgrade of sporting
infrastructure

• Underutilization stemming
from little promotion of sports
as a potential income earne

• Immense, untapped sporting
talent in the country

• Existence of many regional
and national tournaments that
need to be hosted in good
quality stadia; sports tourism

• Availability of land for
infrastructure development in
various parts of the country

• Address imbalances in
distribution of sporting
infrastructure by establishing
modern stadia in areas away
from major urban areas
including the Northern parts of
the country

• Establish and properly
constitute Stadia Management
Boards

• Develop sound stadia repair,
upgrade and maintenance
policies

• Encourage private entities to
take part in the development
and management of sporting
infrastructure

• Set up talent academies
to harness sporting talent
throughout the country and
increase utilization of the
infrastructure

Higher Learning
Education
Institutions

• High levels of poverty resulting
into low rates of transition
from high school into tertiary
institutions

• Little emphasis on innovation
and research in courses offered

• Insufficient government
monitoring of content offered
by universities and colleges

• Little enthusiasm for technical
courses offered by several
institutions

• Skewed distribution of
institutions in favour of urban
areas

• Budgetary constraints limiting
establishment and expansion

• Increasing globalization which
can make Kenya an education
hub in East and Central Africa

• High numbers of students
seeking affordable, higher
education both from within
and outside Kenya

• Advancement of Kenya’s
economy which implies that
the county will need more
professionals and divers skills

• Expand the capacity of existing
public universities both in
terms of infrastructure and
personnel to increase access

• Encourage specialization
based on regional potentials

• Encourage the active fusion of
innovation and research into
coursework taught by colleges
and universities

• Establish more campuses in
marginalized areas to promote
regional balance

For lower-level stadia, the responsible local authorities
will provide competent management. In addition, the
Government will encourage private companies to
take part in management of national stadia with the
county governments being encouraged to do the
same for infrastructure under their control.

iii. Health Care
Kenya’s Vision 2030 for the health sector aims at
providing efficient, integrated and high quality
affordable health care to all citizens with priority
being given to preventive care at community and
household levels, through a decentralized national
health-care system. The Constitution of Kenya also
recognizes access to high quality, basic healthcare as
a fundamental right under the Bill or Rights.

Access to decent and affordable healthcare is a huge
challenge in almost all parts of the country especially
for more than 50% of Kenyans who live below the
poverty line and cannot afford services offered in
private hospitals. Moreover, there exist stark disparities
between different regions in terms of access to proper
healthcare and the general health that people enjoy.

In 2008, there were 6,190 health facilities in Kenya,
the equivalent of 16 facilities per 100,000 people, or
11 facilities per 1,000 km2. On a regional level, Rift
Valley and Western regions have the least number
of hospital beds per 100,000 population, with
only 13.6 and 15.4 beds per 100,000 population,
respectively. The highest number of beds is found in
Nyanza region, with 30.3 beds per 100,000. In North
eastern region, there are only 16.1 beds per 100,000
population, while this region also has the lowest


100

Table 3.12: Summary of Health Facilities

Health Facility Type Challenges Opportunities Strategies

National and County
Hospitals

• Extremely high numbers of
patients, straining the available
infrastructure and resources

• Disproportionate healthcare
professionals to patients ratio

• Inadequate medical supplies

• Little adoption of new
technologies relevant
to provision of modern
healthcare

• Unaffordability of specialized
care and advanced medical
procedures

• Inappropriate working
conditions for personnel and
subordinate staff

• Increasing population both
in Kenya and neighboring
countries meaning more
people will need healthcare

• Increasing integration
between Kenya and East/
Central African Countries
provides an opportunity for
health tourism

• Continued technological
advances in the field of
medicine in the form of
invention of more efficient
equipment and therapies

• Advances in training of
niche-specialized healthcare
professionals in the country

• Increase the number of beds
in hospitals by building and
furnishing more wards as may
be necessary

• Strive towards reaching
the WHO recommended
professional to patient ratio
by training employing more
qualified staffs

• Carry out frequent refresher
courses for medical
professionals to make them
knowledgeable on new,
globally accepted trends in
healthcare provision

• Determine the annual
budgetary allocation
necessary for ample provision
of medical supplies to each
hospital, and make the
requisite apportionment

• Improve working conditions
for personnel by hiring new
staff to augment the existent
workforce, review working
hours and safety concerns of
personnel

• Subsidize the cost of
specialized services to increase
accessibility by low income
earners

• Increase the capacity of
provincial and district hospitals
to offer high quality curative
care to reduce the pressure on
national hospitals

healthcare utilization rate, at only 63.4%. The most
sophisticated healthcare services are available in the
major towns and cities and at the national level. At the
top of the service spectrum are the National, Referral,
and Teaching Hospitals (NRTH) i.e. Kenyatta National
Hospital in Nairobi and Moi Teaching and Referral
Hospital in Eldoret. The next level of care is found in
the provincial hospitals, followed by district and sub-
district hospitals. Beneath the sub-district level, there
are health centres, dispensaries, and community
health organizations. Rural areas face the most crucial
healthcare challenges with scarce distribution of
facilities, lack of equipment, personnel and basic
supplies as well as poor transport infrastructural
networks to ease access to these facilities.

To meet Kenya’s Vision 2030 ambition of ensuring
integration, high quality, affordability and efficient
access to health services, the NSP proposes a

hierarchical approach towards enhancement of the
country’s healthcare infrastructure (see Table 3.12).
All of the country’s health facilities will be evaluated
(based on their level in the hierarchy) to determine
the existent gaps in terms of equipment and facilities,
personnel, bed capacity and space for expansion
and these gaps will be duly addressed. There will
be special focus on a systematic upgrade of all sub-
district hospitals to enable them offer all the services
available in district hospitals, albeit at a smaller scale.
Frequent evaluation of conditions of infrastructure
and equipment, replacement, repair and maintenance
will be emphasized in all public facilities. In addition,
there will be emphasis on construction of multi-
storied buildings to eliminate wastages of land in
public healthcare facilities and acquisition of new
land to enable expansion of Referral;, county and sub-
county facilities which receive a lot of patients.


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Health Facility Type Challenges Opportunities Strategies

Nursing Homes • Insufficient numbers of
qualified personnel to offer
quality services

• Inadequate medical supplies

• Frequent power and water
outages stalling service
provision

• Increased number of women
choosing to seek reproductive
and child care from hospitals

• High rate of population
growth

• Train and employ more service
providers to these facilities

• Maintain ample supply of
required medical supplies

• Provide efficient repair,
replacement and maintenance
of equipment and general
infrastructure

Health Centers &
County hospitals

• Inadequate number of
professional and support
personnel

• Outages of utilities like power
and water supply

• Little, inappropriate or
inexistent infrastructure to
facilitate referrals in case of
emergencies e.g ambulances

• Insufficient medical supplies

• Greater drive by both county
and national governments to
upgrade these facilities

• Interest by foreign and internal
research agencies to conduct
research in these facilities

•

Private Clinics • High costs of operation
leading to outages of utilities
like electricity and water

• High cost of medical supplies

• Limited number of employed
healthcare professionals

• High rate of population
growth

• Government encouragement
of PPP in provision of
healthcare

• Preference of private
healthcare by the general
population

• Offer government incentives
to providers like tax rebates to
enable them reduce the costs
of their services

• Reduce medical supplies,
energy and water supply costs
to lower their expenditure

Dispensaries/ Rural
Health Centres

• Inadequate number of
qualified personnel

• Inexistent or insufficient
facilities necessary to dispense
healthcare

• Poor linkages with district and
provincial hospitals in case of
referrals

• Poor infrastructure
compromising access to
health centres by resident
populations

• Poor or inexistent water and
electricity utility infrastructure

• Increase in numbers of
student taking up community
medical-related courses

• Improving transport
infrastructure easing access to
these institutions

• Encourage partnership
between traditional healthcare
providers with conventional
healthcare providers

• Enhance transport
infrastructure to ease access to
these centres and emergency
referrals to larger facilities

• Provide medical supplies
and properly maintain utility
infrastructure necessary for
proper service delivery

• Increase number of qualified
personnel working in these
institutions

To achieve integration in healthcare provision and
ensure timely, efficient referral processes, sufficient
infrastructure including ambulances and effective
communication lines will be established between
the lower level health centres and the higher level
national and county hospitals.

To boost the capacity of healthcare providers to
offer good quality care, their working conditions will
be improved in striving towards meeting the WHO
standards. This will involve training and employment
of more professionals, review of their working hours
and occupational safety issues, as well as timely
refresher courses to keep them abreast of any
emerging international trends in provision of quality
healthcare.

To establish a sustainable health tourism sector in the
country, the level of service offered in national and
county hospitals will be upgraded to internationally
acceptable standards to target East and Central Africa
patients, with the private sector playing a vital role as
well. The pressure that national hospitals face in terms
of provision of highly specialized services will be eased
by improving the capacity of county hospitals to offer
the same. Moreover, these services will be subsidized
to make them easily accessible by people who live
below the poverty line. The National Government will,
together with private players, provide low cost health
insurance schemes targeting low income earners to
improve their access to quality healthcare.


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3.4 Promoting Balanced
Regional Development

3.4.1 Overview

The Kenya Vision 2030 includes equity as a
recurrent principle in economic, social and political
programmes. It gives special attention to investment
in Arid and Semi-arid (ASAL) areas. The Vision 2030
Development Strategy for Northern Kenya and
other Arid Lands aim at achieving a secure, just and
prosperous Northern Kenya and other arid lands,
where people achieve their full potential and enjoy
a high quality of life. Constitution 2010 also provides
for the devolved system of governance which
ensures participation of communities and equitable
national resource distribution to address socio-
economic disparities. These strategies set out the
foundations for enhancing development within those
regions. Among them includes; development of the
infrastructure; Improving security, peace building and
conflict management; Human resource development,
labour and employment; Public sector reforms;
Natural resource management and land reforms;
Drought management and climate change; Science,
technology and innovation

The strategy of promoting balanced regional
development has been adopted in the NSP due to
the evident disparities existing among the various
regions in Kenya. It aims at progressively reducing
disparities between regions and enhancing equity in
development for purposes of national unity and global
competitiveness through efficient and sustainable
use of resources.

3.4.2 Existing Situation

Regional imbalance has been a major issue in Kenya
since independence. An analysis of the situation
reveals massive disparities between regions. These
disparities may be divided into the North-South
divides with other pockets of divides which are
characterized as urban rural, rural- rural and urban-
urban divides. The Northern region is less developed
in terms of transport (road network), energy, water,
information and communication while the southern
part is better developed.

Major factors that have contributed to the regional
imbalance may be attributable to the colonial policies,
governance and geographical determinism. The
colonial government concentrated development only
in a number of selected regions such as Central Kenya
(Kiambu, Nyeri and Murang’a), Eastern (Machakos
and Meru); Western (Kakamega and Bungoma);

Nyanza (Kisumu and Kisii); and a few urban areas,
namely, Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Nakuru.
This left vast areas in the Rift Valley, Coast and North
Eastern provinces undeveloped. These areas lagged
behind in education, infrastructure and agricultural
development, despite many of them being ideal for
agriculture. Thus, at independence, some parts of
Kenya were “highly economically developed and
modern, while others were still using indigenous
modes of production” (Fredrich, 2012).

Other colonial policies included segregation in terms
of settlements. The white settlement areas which
were of high potential were occupied mainly by the
Europeans and other colonial administrators and they
were better developed as opposed to other areas
referred to as native reserves or the low potential areas.
Not much changed in respect of underperforming
areas immediately after independence, particularly
for the northern areas of the country in spite of
developments that were undertaken in the area.
Presently, the disequilibrium in national development
is still very wide and apparent.

Geography including climate (Rainfall) and remote
location has also played a significant role in
contributing to the pattern of development in the
country. Geographical determinism seems to have
played a role in the sense that areas not amenable to
arable farming due to rainfall vagaries were perceived
as low potential. Those that presented stable and
reliable rainfall were perceived to be high potential.
These perceptions have influenced both policy and
action of government and have in turn influenced the
pattern of national development

Other factors that have contributed to imbalanced
regional development include under-exploitation
of the natural resource potential and locational
opportunities, cultural, ethicized governance
system, insecurity and Inadequate use of knowledge
and innovation. The potential of the divides are as
indicated in Table 3.13.

3.4.3 Past Efforts to Promote Regional
Development

The Government has in the past made various efforts
to address this challenge although little appears to
have been achieved. Efforts which include publication
of Sessional Paper no 10 of 1965 which recommended
that development money be invested where it will
yield a large increase in net output. This approach
clearly favored development of areas with abundant
natural resources, good land and rainfall, and other
infrastructures and people receptive to and active
in development this was followed by Sessional


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Paper No. 1 of 1986 on Economic Management and
Renewed Economic Growth which was to address the
income gaps by raising the productivity and income
of farmers and workers in the informal sector.

As discussed in Chapter 1, six regional development
authorities were established. They included Tana
and Athi Rivers, Kerio Valley, Lake Basin, Ewaso Ng’iro
North, Ewaso Ng’iro South, and Coast with the aim of
controlling rural –urban migration by developing the
rural areas. The main objective for their establishment
was to ensure that Kenyans attained enhanced
growth and sustained wealth creation through
integrated water basin-based development programs
through policy guidance and capacity building for
sustainable use and the conservation of water and
other natural resources. In addition RDAs developed
core projects and activities that contributed towards
the many social and economic goals of Vision 2030.
For instance, its first medium-term plan - covering the
period 2008 to 2012 – had the objective of enhancing
integrated regional development and improvement
of institutional capacity.

3.4.4 Challenges of Balanced Regional
Development

i. Inadequate infrastructural facilities
and services

Provision of physical and social infrastructure across
the regions is uneven. Key infrastructure and services
are provided mainly in major urban centres and in
regions perceived to be resource rich. As a result,
faster growth, development and urbanization have
been occurring in these regions while the regions
perceived to be resource poor have lagged behind.
Where infrastructure is provided in areas perceived
to be resource poor, the standards in terms of
quality, quantity and conditions are way below those
perceived as resource rich regions. Maintenance and
upgrading of infrastructure in resource poor regions
is not prioritized.

ii. Under-exploitation of resources
Kenya is well endowed with both natural and human
resources. They range from minerals, tourism based
resources, energy and mineral deposits among others.
However, the resources have either been under-
exploited or not exploited. This is attributed to the
slow adoption of modern mining technologies and
inadequate geological information on the existence
of the minerals and their commercial viability.

iii. Weak linkages
Rural areas are normally characterized by poor
accessibility to the urban centres where the rural
population is almost totally dependent on marketing
farm produce and income. Lack of technological
innovation and support also results into low
productivity and low incomes. Poverty in the initial
stages of development is often associated with
smallholding agricultural activities in rural areas.
Establishing strong urban-rural linkages is crucial in
ensuring sustainable development of the rural areas.

Opportunities
i. Resource endowment
Kenya is endowed with various resources which
among them are exploited, under or not exploited.
They are distributed in different regions within the
country. These include; forest-based activities, tourism
based resources, agriculture based activities (rain-fed
and irrigated) oil and mineral deposits and industries.
The exploitation of these resources would lead to
increased income generation, foreign exchange and
creation of employment opportunities in different
regions thus spurring development.

ii. Enabling policy framework
Different developments have been proposed in
different regions across the country with the aim of
reducing regional imbalance. For instance, Vision
2030 proposes the development of LAPSSET corridor
and construction of SGR which are envisaged to open

Table 3.13: Regional Divides and their Potentials

REGION COUNTIES POTENTIAL

NORTH Garissa, Wajir, mandera, Turkana, Marsabit, Samburu, Tana
River,Kwale, Isiolo, Baringo, Kitui, Laikipia, Baringo, West
Pokot, Narok, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, Lamu, Tharaka
Nithi, Elgeyo Marakwet,Kilifi

• Minerals

• Tourism sites

• Large scale livestock production

• Fishing

• Renewable energy

Filming

SOUTH Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Nakuru, Nyeri,Kericho, Bungoma, Uasin
Gishu, Siaya, Migori, Homabay, Busia, Kakamega, Trans
Nzoia, Meru, Kisii, Nyamira, Kisumu,Nyandarua, Muranga
,Vihiga,Nairobi, Nandi, Bomet

• Rain fed and irrigated agriculture

• Fishing

• Tourism

• Urbanization,


104
up the Northern region and ease transportation. The
Vision also proposes the development of metropolitan
cities in different regions in a bid to open and spur
development within the regions.

The Kenya Constitution, 2010 introduced Devolution
and Equalization Funds in an effort to address
regional imbalance. The devolved funds deployed in
a more efficient and transparent manner is expected
to play a key and enhanced role in correcting existing
economic and social inequalities.

3.4.5 Delineation of Regions: the NSP Approach

Theoretical interpretation of the concept of regions
and development presents the following elements
as the defining factors for a region: Administrative,
Economic (the Core and the Periphery), Ecological and
Social/cultural.

The working definition of regions in the NSP is
developed on the basis of;

i. Agro-ecological and climatic zones

ii. Resource potentials inherent in the agro-
ecological zones

iii. Other inherent factors include administrative
regions, metropolitan/ urban regions and cultural
regions

The regions delineated from the above criterion
demonstrates four main regions with each region
having unique planning challenges, opportunities
and levels of development

The NSP proposes four regions as follows:

1. High agricultural potential region: this region
has high potential for rain fed agriculture. Other
inherent characteristics include tourism, mining,
agro-based industries, research

2. Medium potential region: this region has high
potential for agriculture through irrigation and
livestock keeping. Other inherent potential
include mining, tourism, green energy generation,
livestock and agro-based industries

3. Range land region: this region has high potential
for large scale livestock keeping. The other
inherent potentials include oil and green energy
generation, livestock based industries, tourism
and mining.

4. Coastal belt and the Blue Economy region: this
region has the highest potential for marine fishing
and mari-culture, offshore gas and oil production,
tourism, energy generation,

3.4.6 Strategies

i. Establish economic zones in the Northern region
according to the potential of every region to
promote processing and value addition of the
various products.

ii. Encourage equitable exploitation and sound
management of mineral resources while ensuring
local participation for improved economic
development

iii. Promote investment in sustainable tourism
including eco-tourism

iv. Promote Irrigation activities for improved
productivity in quantity and quality of yield
within the potential regions.

v. Promote industrialization and value addition
through the provision of support infrastructure
in the less developed regions as well as
strengthening the better developed regions.

3.5 Promoting Rural
Development

3.5.1 Overview

Kenya Vision 2030 goal for equity and poverty
elimination is to reduce the number of people living in
absolute poverty to the tiniest proportion of the total
population. Kenya will aim at a society that guarantees
equality of opportunity in accessing public services
and providing income-generating activities as widely
as possible. That will be achieved by placing the
citizens at a level of income sufficient to cater for basic
requirements of a healthy, productive life through
allocation of devolved funds to the communities and
expansion of access across different social and political
dimensions. Rural development aims at improving
the quality of life and economic wellbeing of people
living in rural areas through the improvement of
agriculture and allied activities; rural production units,
socio-economic infrastructure, community services
and facilities, tourism, and human resources in rural
areas to make the region productive and competitive.

3.5.2 Existing Situation

The largest population in Kenya lives in the rural
areas. According to the World Bank 2015 report last
measured Kenya’s rural population was 33,362,846 in
2013. This represented 75.19% of the total population
with an increase of 4.0% rural population growth from
the year 2010.


105
Rural areas are mainly characterized by poverty
and subsistence agriculture. Poverty is exemplified
by increased unemployment rates, inadequate
opportunities for income and access to services and
infrastructure. However the rural areas are not uniform
in terms of development. and the level of rural poverty
also varies from one county to another. Certain
areas are better developed with strong potential for
development while others are less developed with
less potential for development. In addition there are
other rural areas that transit between the better and
the less developed. Table 3.14 illustrates the different
clusters in which the different Counties belong.

3.5.3 Past Efforts to Promote Rural Development

The Government has in the past made various efforts
to address this challenge although the achievement
may be regarded as dismal. Initial efforts in the
1960s and 1970s revolved around injecting funds
to specific programmes in regions considered less
developed. The 1980s was characterized by creation
of regional development authorities and the adoption
of the District Focus for Rural Development (DFRD)
strategy. From mid-1990s, the focus has been on
higher development allocations to marginal areas
through line ministries and devolved funds such as
the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), Local
Authorities Transfer Fund (LATF), Road Maintenance
Levy Fund (RMLF) and Rural Electrification Fund
(REF). The government with the assistance of the
private sector also developed both the Poverty
Reduction Strategy paper (PRSP) and the Kenya Rural
Development Strategy (KRDS). The objectives of these
two initiatives was to have a blue print for development
through which resources from the government,
development partners and from the civil societies
would be mobilized to meet the twin objectives of
poverty reduction and economic growth In 2003,
the government introduced the Economic Recovery

Strategy which recognized the important contribution
the ASALs can make to national development, by fast
tracking and facilitating sustainable development in
the regions.

3.5.4 Challenges of Rural Development

i. Under-exploitation of resources
Kenya is well endowed with both natural and human
resources. These includes but not limited to resources
such as oil and water in Turkana, coal in Kitui and
geothermal in Nakuru among others which have not
been fully exploited due to inadequate geological
information on the existence of the minerals and their
commercial viability. Minerals occur in areas gazetted
as game parks, forest reserves communal land and
privately owned land which makes it difficult to access
because of lack of an enabling framework. Land
tenure and ownership issues make acquisition of the
land complex delaying the process of exploitation.
The challenges of infrastructure and transport also
impede the exploitation of mineral resources.

ii. Weak rural-urban linkages
Rural–urban linkages play a crucial role in the
generation of income, employment and wealth. Yet,
for various reasons the importance of such linkages is
not recognized and thus ignored in national economic
and trade policies. These include; infrastructure
problems, institutional constraints and trade barriers
that tend to discourage linkages between rural and
urban regions and thus prevent a process of rural
empowerment and economic development.

iii. Inefficient and dilapidated
infrastructure facilities and services

Kenya’s inefficient and dilapidated infrastructure
discourages new investments and significantly reduces
productivity and the profitability of the existing farms

Table 3.14: Rural Development Clusters and Their Potentials

CLUSTER COUNTIES POTENTIAL

BETTER DEVELOPED

(Poverty level below 50%)

Kajiado, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Narok, Nyeri, Murang’a,
Lamu, Meru, Siaya, Tharaka, Kericho, Embu, Vihiga,
Nakuru, Homa Bay Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, Migori,
Nyamira, Nandi, Laikipia, Nyandarua

• Agriculture

• Tourism

• Irrigation

• Dairy production

• Urbanization

LESS DEVELOPED

(Poverty level above 70%)

West Pokot, Kitui, Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit,
Samburu, Tana River, Kwale

• Large scale livestock

• Tourism

• Mining

• Irrigation

TRANSITIONAL

(Poverty level below 50-70%)

Marsabit, Mandera, Samburu, Tana River, Turkana,
Kilifi, Busia, Makueni, Isiolo, Kisii, Baringo, Machakos,
Elgeiyo Marakwet, Taita taveta, Bungoma, Garissa,
Kakamega, Bomet, Trans Nzoia

• Mixed agriculture and commercial
livestock production

• Urbanization


106
and business. The rural areas suffer from inadequate
physical infrastructure that therefore hampers growth
in the rural economy. Poor infrastructure hinders
rural development because poor road network
adversely influence agricultural productivity. Most
roads in agricultural areas are impassable, especially
during the rainy season. As a result, the potential in a
number of high rainfall areas remain untapped. It also
results in heavy losses due to wastage in the farms
and deterioration of quality of the produce during
transportation to the market. Furthermore, poor road
network increases transportation costs for inputs and
the produce thereby reducing the margins to farmers.
Besides leading to wide regional price variations
within the country, poor road network adversely
affects the competitiveness of Kenyan produce
in both the local and the international market.
Telecommunication services also are inadequate,
expensive and unreliable. This has hampered quick
and efficient flow of information to farmers, traders,
and other investors in the rural areas. Even where this
is in place, it is out of order most of the time rendering
it useless to investors. Similarly, electricity supply
in the rural areas is inadequate thus limiting agro-
processing in these areas.

iv. Slow adoption of technology and
innovation

Rural areas are also characterized by low adoption
of knowledge and innovation and use of traditional
methods as well as loss of local knowledge on resource
use. Traditional or modern agricultural methods are
largely responsible for under-performance of some
rural areas both in livestock keeping and farming
areas.

v. Low productivity
Rural areas have continued to depend on agriculture
as a source of income with low venture on other non-
farm income generating activities. Most farming
methods in the rural areas are poorly mechanized and
are mainly subsistence. Farming in the rural areas is
mainly for subsistence consumption. Characterized
by poor farming methods, overreliance on rain-
fed agriculture, fragmentation into uneconomical
land holdings and urban sprawl has led to reduced
productivity. In addition, inadequate value addition
and climate change which has led to reduced rainfall
amounts has also contributed to reduced quality
and quantity of farm produce. The rural areas are
also affected by the poor infrastructural facilities
impeding the transportation of the surplus produce
to the markets.

Opportunities
i. Resource endowment
Kenya is endowed with various resources which among
them are exploited, under-exploited or not exploited.
They are distributed in different regions within
the country. These include; forest-based activities,
tourism-based resources, agriculture-based activities
(rain-fed and irrigated) oil and mineral deposits
and industries. The exploitation of these resources
would lead to increased income generation, foreign
exchange and creation of employment opportunities
in different regions thus spurring development.

a) Agriculture

Agriculture contributes a substantial amount of export
earnings to the economy providing the much-needed
foreign exchange. Rural populations heavily rely on
agriculture as a source of livelihood. The potential
components of agriculture vary within the rural areas.
They include crops, livestock, fishing and forestry
which have been either under-utilized or not utilized.
In addition, some of the rural areas have the irrigation
potential which can be harnessed to increase the
productivity. However, some of these agriculturally
potential areas are experiencing increased pressure
by urban sprawl which has spread into the agricultural
land. There has also been increased subdivision of the
rich agricultural land into small uneconomic units. All
these among others have contributed to the reduced
production.

b) Large scale livestock production

Different counties have different livestock production
potentials. The counties that are weak and within
transitional clusters have the highest potential for large
scale livestock production. However, this potential has
not been fully utilized due to a number of challenges.
These would include, inadequate support services,
inadequate infrastructural facilities, lack of training
and knowledge, poor marketing strategies among
others.

c) Tourism

The rural areas can offer different types of tourism
products if the existing resources are well harnessed.
They include; safari, sports, urban, eco, agro, cultural,
medical, MICE and historical tourism products. They
can be used for both foreign and domestic tourism
thus earning the rural areas foreign exchange and
thus improved living standards.

d) Urbanization

Urbanization and growth of urban centers have been
some of the key factors that spur development. They
provide employment opportunities in the off-farm


107
sectors to a large rural population. This in turn reduces
the over-dependence on agriculture based income
thus diversifying the income generating activities.
The urban areas also present increased opportunities
for marketing the agricultural produce by the rural
dwellers.

ii. Human resource
Kenya rural areas population amounts to three-
quarters of the total population. This consists of both
skilled and non-skilled labour. However, due to lack
of opportunities, much of this resource has not been
fully utilized.

iii. Enabling policy framework
Supportive rural development policies have been
formulated to enhance rural productivity. These
include policies on subsidization of farm inputs,
resource allocation in prioritized enterprises in
different rural areas and protection of production
against competition imposed by imports. However,
misappropriation of funds and corruption has been
a major hindrance in the full implementation of the
policies.

iv. Existing infrastructure
Kenya is fairly developed in terms of infrastructure. This
includes transport, physical and social infrastructure.
Though most of these infrastructural facilities are not
well maintained, they have a potential of economically
empowering the rural and the less developed regions.
In addition, they have a high potential of attracting
private investors if well maintained.

v. Agricultural science and technology
indicators

Kenya has a number of indicators of agricultural
science and technology indicators. They mainly
consist of research institutions and institutions of
higher learning. The institutions research on different
sectors with some specializing on agriculture while
others research on livestock production. These include
institutions like KARLO, KEMFRI and KEFRI. In addition,
there are institutions that research on specific crops
of prioritization. They include; KESREF, CRF and TRFK.
The other category of institutions deals with industrial
research on the production of veterinary vaccines
like KEVEVAPI while KIRDI conducts research on the
use of the locally available resources including the
agricultural produce. Kenya is also a home to ILRI
which is an international research institution that
conducts research on livestock production. These
institutions can be used to promote increased quality
and quantity production of agricultural produce
in the rural areas. The agricultural sector has also
been decentralized following the devolved system.

Agricultural extension officers have been deployed in
the counties to train and educate farmers on the best
agricultural production practices.

3.5.5 Strategies

i. Develop appropriate transport and infrastructural
facilities and services to support the exploitation
of the natural resources in the rural areas as well as
the opportunities they present to spur economic
development.

ii. Promote rural industrialization which includes,
rural tourism, mining and agro-based industries
through establishment of production units in
different rural areas in relation to their potential.

iii. Promote commercial and large scale livestock
production practices in the weak and transitional
cluster of rural areas through provision of
education and training by the established
institutions, adoption of modern technology,
provision of extension services and incentives to
the farmers as well as strengthening the better
developed cluster.

iv. Promote urban containment to reduce effects of
urban sprawl into rich agricultural and rangeland
areas as well as encouraging eco-villages in the
rural areas.

v. Enhance the ASALs climate change adaptation
and desertification mitigation

vi. Provide a spatial framework for harnessing natural
wealth eg. renewable energy, from both solar and
wind

vii. Promote sustainable land uses that are capable of
meeting the rangeland needs and guaranteeing
secure livelihoods, economic and social growth

3.6 Urbanization Strategy

3.6.1 Overview

Kenya is one of the countries in Africa that are
experiencing increased urbanization. It is predicted
that by the year 2030 more than half of the country’s
population will be staying in urban areas. With
respect to the social pillar Kenya vision 2030 identifies
urbanization as one of the social sectors that forms the
basis for the transformation of the society. One of its
flagship projects is the Metropolitan and Investment
Plans Initiative which advocates for preparation of
metropolitan investment plans for eleven (11) regions.
In addition, Kenya Vision 2030 flags out installation of
physical and social infrastructure in slums in 20 urban
centres as key to their functionality and livability.


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Urban Areas and Cities Act has been formulated to
provide a criteria for classifying and managing urban
areas.

This strategy aims at balancing and controlling
the pattern and scale of urbanization in Kenya. It
also aims at development of a planned network
of designated service centres at different levels of
urban areas throughout the country to improve the
living conditions of the urbanites and accommodate
the incoming population. Furthermore, the strategy
is geared towards guiding human settlements
development in both rural and urban areas. The
strategy is built on opportunities inherent in the
urban areas to enhance global competitiveness and
balanced regional development throughout the
country.

3.6.2 Existing Situation

In the 2009 housing and population census, the Kenya
urban population was reported as 12,487,375 persons,
this accounted for 31.3 % of Kenya’s population.
The annual urban population growth rate was lastly
measured in 2013 at 4.37% (World Bank, 2015). It
is envisioned that by 2030 more than half of the
nation’s population is likely to be residing in urban
areas (Vision 2030). However, urban population is
unevenly distributed. It is concentrated within the
three main cities i.e. Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.
In the year 2009, Nairobi had the highest number
of urban population housing approximately 25.12%
while Mombasa housed 7.3%. As a result of the
increased urbanization the number of urban centers
has increased from 17 in 1948 to 230 in 2009.

3.6.3 The Hierarchy of Urban Areas in Kenya

Nairobi City
Nairobi is the capital and largest city in Kenya with
an estimated population of 3.36 million people as at
2011 World Bank estimates. Apart from being the seat
of the national government, it is the headquarters of
Nairobi County. The city plays various roles and is the
major business hub in Kenya and East Africa in general.
It is a financial hub as well as a manufacturing city for
products like building materials, processed foods,
clothing and textiles, beverages and cigarettes among
others. It is the regional and national headquarters
of various business organizations such as Google,
Coca Cola, and Airtel among others. Its importance
is further demonstrated by the fact that its home to
many embassies, international organizations and
businesses including being one of the few countries
in the world to host a United Nations headquarter.

The City of Nairobi has therefore grown in importance
and requires to be strengthened as an international
city of world class status. The NSP views the city as
the main gateway to the country and views it as an
opportunity to leverage Kenya’s competitiveness.

Cities of Mombasa and Kisumu
With a long history similar to Nairobi’s, these cities
have not kept pace with Nairobi’s phenomenal
growth but are currently the second and third biggest
cities respectively. Mombasa is the second largest
city in Kenya and a prominent business hub due to
the presence of the port on the Indian Ocean coast.
The city is an industrial and cultural centre and has an
estimated population of 1 million people. The city is
considered a gateway to the country and its growth
and development is expected to continue being
fueled by the port. Kisumu city on the other hand is
the third largest city and boasts of an inland port and
an International Airport. The city is expected to grow
as a regional hub serving the Great Lakes Region..

Regional Hubs
These are former principal towns identified in the
1978 Human Settlement Strategy. They act as regional
and county growth centres and include Nakuru,
Kisii, Eldoret, Nyeri, Embu, Meru, Kakamega, Kitale,
Thika, Garissa and Kisumu. Kisumu has since grown
to city status while Embu, Kakamega and Kitale have
registered stagnation. Among them, the fastest
growing centres are Nakuru, Eldoret and Thika.
Nakuru has surpassed Kisumu in terms of population
growth.

Metropolitan Regions
The six metropolitan regions identified under the
Kenya Vision 2030 particularly towns along the 2nd
transport corridor (LAPSSET) together with the special
economic zones, techno cities will be game changers
in developing a desirable hierarchy of towns across
the country.

Under the vision 2030 six (6) metropolitan regions will
be established to spread development and achieve
regional balance. Major towns will be merged with
smaller adjoining ones to spur growth. The metropolis
are; Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu/Kakamega, Wajir-
Garissa-Mandere and Kitui-Mwingi Meru. There is
need to review the classification of the proposed
metropolitan areas in view of the infrastructural
developments taking place in the country as well as
the pace of growth occurring as a result of the new
status of some towns as county capitals.


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Border Towns
Towns in this category are the entry points to the
country. To promote regional integration and cross
border trade, critical infrastructural development
such as roads and rail network shall be prioritized.
The ongoing construction of one stop border posts
at several crossing points will scale up regional trade.
Border towns including Taveta, Lokichogio, Liboi,
Busia, Lunga Lunga, Namanga, Mandera, Malaba,
Isebania, Busia, Lwakhakha Moyale, Lokichogio,
Vanga, Elwak and Loitokitok have to be planned and
provided with the requisite infrastructure and services
to make them more functional as border towns.

Gateway Towns
Gateway towns form a special cluster of urban centres
in Kenya. Their functionality and livability need to be
enhanced to make them attractive and competitive
since most of them lack basic infrastructure and
services such as roads, health institutions, clean
and safe environments. Major gateway towns with
international airports and sea ports are Nairobi,
Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Wajir, Isiolo and Lamu.
Others include; Bungoma, Migori, Kajiado, Garissa,
Voi, Diani and Lodwar.

County Headquarters
All the forty seven county headquarters have gained
new impetus for growth and investment given their
role as administrative and commercial centres of
their respective counties. This is due to their new
status as the capital towns of the counties. The
towns have experienced renewed investments in
real estate developments, education and commerce.
With enhanced investments, these towns are likely
to experience increased migrations as people move
in search of employment and other opportunities.
This category of emerging town’s needs to be guided
through proper planning and setting of growth limits.
The counties require to be guided in terms of priority
areas for infrastructural investments to ensure that
they reap the greatest benefits in terms of positioning
the towns for investment.

The Urban Challenge in Kenya
i. Skewed Spatial Distribution of Urban

Centres
The distribution of urban centres is not balanced
across the country. Urban centres have tended to be
concentrated along major transport corridors, south
and north rift, western central and upper eastern.
The distribution is sparse in northern Kenya, lower
eastern and parts of coast province. This is indicative
of infrastructure provision and deliberate policies to
develop the former white highlands. The scenario

is bound to change once the second corridor is
completed and resources ae fully devolved to counties.
A deliberate distributive policy is required to promote
urbanization in hitherto marginalized regions. (Refer
to the map on distribution of urban areas).

Concentration of urban centres in high potential
agricultural areas has created an aggressive
competition between urban, agriculture and
conservation land uses. This form of urbanization
if not controlled will have negative impacts on
agricultural land and food insecurity in the long
run. Approximately 85% of all urban centres of over
100,000 population and above are located in the high
potential agricultural land and include centres such
as Nakuru, Eldoret, Vihiga, Kericho, Kisii, and Limuru
among others (KNBS, 2009).

Dispersal of urban centres in remote areas such as
North Eastern Kenya is visible in the distances between
major urban centres in this vast area. This implies that
provision of services and distribution of commodities
becomes inefficient and communities in these areas
do not benefit from positive effects of urbanization.

Ribbon development is evident both at national and
local levels. At national level, it is along the country’s
major transport corridor of Mombasa-Nairobi-Malaba
and has strong historical roots. Urbanization sprung
from this corridor and major urban centres are aligned
to this corridor as well. Such centres include Nairobi,
Naivasha, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kericho, Kisumu, Busia and
Bungoma. At the local level, development along major
transport routes, commonly referred to as ribbon
development, is common in every major centre.

The sum total of these phenomena is unbalanced
urbanization with the central Kenya and Kenya-
Uganda railway corridor exhibiting high number of
urban centers while other parts of the country register
low levels of urbanization.

ii. Primacy of Nairobi
Nairobi has remained the primate city in the country
with a population of 3,375,000 persons, which
accounts for more than the combined population of
1,609,928 of the two other major cities of Mombasa
and Kisumu. This gives it dominance over all urban
areas thus deliberate mechanisms are needed to spur
growth in other urban areas.

iii. Urban Sprawl
The area of transition between well recognized urban
land uses and the area devoted to agriculture is Peri-
urban area. This is the area of mixed urban and rural
land uses between the points where full city services


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cease to be available and the point where agricultural
land use predominates.

Peri-urban areas are formed in a number of inter-
connected ways. Including physical growth of urban
areas primarily to provide housing (urban sprawl)
and rural to urban migration are primary reasons of
peri-urbanization. In Kenya, the urge to move to the
peri-urban areas is driven by the need to own land
and residential premises.

Kenya’s urban centres have tended to grow
inorganically and spill over the jurisdictional
boundaries to the periphery and urban form is only
left within the Central Business District. For instance
the larger Nairobi Metropolis is an expansion of its
former peri-urban areas. Other major towns such
Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu among others are
facing the same problem of urban sprawl.

The Peri urban areas are characterized as place of
fast and unplanned growth resulting in negative
health issues and environmental degradation.
The jurisdiction is unclear or duplicated in matters
of planning, land tenure and land transfer or
governance of these areas. The tenure is not always
based on clearly defined and enforceable reasons
mostly because it is freehold in nature. These areas
have absence of planning and building guidelines,
regulations, land rent, and provision of urban services.
Service & Social infrastructure is inadequate to meet
even basic needs of human being. As land values in
the periphery continue to increase more subdivisions
are undertaken resulting to uneconomical plot sizes.

Peri-urban development results in some basic
problems like poor or lack of infrastructure and
services, low level of economic activities, strained
the environmental carrying capacity, poor land use
planning, high levels of land speculation, destruction
and encroachment into agricultural land, inferior
housing, psychological break downs of people,
social and environmental problems are common
phenomenon. A strategy to contain urban sprawl and
delineate urban boundaries is urgently required.

iv. Lack of Role Specialization
Urban places are characterized by absence of role
specialization. Most towns are administrative and
service centres. Potentials in the hinterland such
as agriculture, tourism, sports, mining, trade and
industry, value addition and rangelands are fully
unutilized. The linkage between the centres and the
hinterland is not well defined. Rural populations are
not fully empowered to gainfully engage in productive
activities to promote the urban centres. There is
evidence of ghost towns in central Kenya which have

collapsed due to decline of agricultural activities
which earlier triggered and supported the growth
of urban centres. In Kenya, there is opportunity to
develop tourist towns, industrial towns, border towns,
administrative towns by undertaking an analysis of
the strengths of each town and leveraging on their
competitive advantages. This will require investment
in infrastructure to support the identified function/
role.

v. Informal Settlements
Urbanization has led to overpopulation in the urban
towns especially in the three main cities in Kenya
(Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu) (see Table 3.15). As
earlier alluded, about 70% of Kenya’s urban population
live in informal settlements characterized by lack of
appropriate housing, insecure tenure, environmental
degradation, inadequate access to basic services and
proliferation of slums.

These are caused by a myriad of factors including lack
of proper planning and poor implementation of plans
where they exist, high rates of poverty, high rate of
urbanization, poor policies on land use and failure to
enforce development control regulations. Previously,
there have been slum upgrading programmes in
the Kenyan slums which aimed at improving the
livelihoods of people living and working within
informal settlements. However, the programmes
have failed to achieve their objectives as the targeted
population rarely benefits. A mechanism needs to be
developed to fix the informality and general lack of
planning in Kenya.

vi. Unreliable Transport Systems
The urban centres in Kenya lack functional and
integrated transport systems leading to traffic jams
and long commuting hours. This is especially true for
the cities of Nairobi and Mombasa. The major towns
on the other hand feature poor road conditions, poor
linkages and connectivity with the hinterland and a
low accessibility index. The collapse of public transport
in urban areas has led to increased use of private cars
which compromise the principle of social equity and
inclusion. An increase in the use of private cars adds
to air pollution, congestion and overstretched road
capacities. There is poor modal interchange among
the various modes and over reliance on road transport.

vii. Poor Implementation of Development
Plans and Planning Policies

In Kenya, there has been a challenge of development
plan implementation which in many instances has
been attributed to the lack of financial resources,
political good will, lack of plan ownership and
inadequate human resource capacity for plan


111

implementation. Poor plan implementation manifests
in haphazard and chaotic location of industries,
residential and commercial facilities. This coupled with
lack of strong instruments for plan implementation
relegate the function of urban planning to that of
reactionary planning.

viii. Land and Governance Issues
Urban Governance issues have dominated the urban
scene in Kenya and include land tenure issues,
insecurity, corruption, poor institutional structures
and poor service delivery. Land for development is
not readily available and even where available it is
encumbered with lengthy and unclear registration
procedures. There has been no deliberate attempt at
land reservation for investment. Allocation of land for
speculative purposes is evidenced by large parcels of
land lying idle in urban centres.

Poorly serviced land or lack of any services makes land
not readily available for development and therefore
discourages investors. Strategies, policies and
measures are therefore required to avail serviced land
for development in urban areas.

ix. Inequality in Urban Areas
Inequality in Kenyan urban areas is manifested by
the gap between the rich and the poor in terms of
income, education, Health care etc. Policy makers and
development strategies should be aimed at improving
living conditions as well as reducing the inequalities in
urban areas and enhance inclusivity in urban areas.

Most of the urban areas in the country have lost
their public spaces to private hands (through land
grabbing), car parking’s or other urban activities.
The meeting places have been lost and children play
grounds are no more.

x. Solid Waste Management
The poor Solid Waste Management (SWM) in Kenya is
attributable to many factors namely but not limited to

the expansion of urban areas and population increase,
increased agricultural and industrial activities, lack of
appropriate planning, inadequate political will and
governance, poor technology, weak enforcement of
existing legislation, as well as the absence of economic
and fiscal incentives to promote good practice,
and lack of analytical data concerning volumes and
compositions of waste substances is also lacking.

Without efficient solid waste management services,
solid wastes lie uncollected along roadsides, or
dumped in any low-lying land despoiling the local
landscape. While poor management of solid waste
is a general problem in Kenya, it is probably worst
in Nairobi. According to UN Habitat, the current
generation rate of garbage in Nairobi is over 2,000 tons
per day and the waste finds its way to the Dandora
dumpsite in an environmentally unsustainable
manner (Plate 3.2).

Opportunities
i. Existing and proposed infrastructure

developments
Existing infrastructural developments within the
urban areas provides better economy through higher
income jobs and education to the urban population.
Various industrial sectors like cement iron and steel
and textile are helping in the economic growth of the
country. Commercially, urban areas provide markets
required in the conversion from subsistence to a cash
economy. This provides better income to support the
rural population. Urban areas facilitate the provision
of schools, hospitals, electricity, water, sanitation,
law and order. Often major high ranked schools and
universities with well trained teachers and facilities
are also located within the cities.

The proposed second largest transport corridor
(LAPPSET) is expected to spur growth of urban centres
particularly in the northern parts of the country which
were hitherto least urbanized. These centres include
Lamu, Garissa, Isiolo, Lokichar, Lodwar and Marsabit.

Table 3.15: List of major informal settlements in main towns in Kenya

Town Slums Condition

Nairobi Kibera, Mathare slums, Korogocho, Mukuru slums, Mlango
Kubwa, Huruma, Kawangware slums, Dandora, Sinai, Baba
Ndogo, Majengo, Kangemi, Fuata Nyayo among others

Densely population

Poor or lack of infrastructure and service
provision

Insecure land tenure

Inferior housing with low quality
materials

Social crimes

Mombasa Moroto, Bangladesh, Owino Uhuru, Mburukenge, Kisumu
Ndogo, Kambi Kikuyu Slums among others

Kisumu Manyatta, Nyalenda, Obunga, Nyamasaria, Kondele among
others

Nakuru Rhonda, Kaptembwa

Eldoret Langas, Huruma, Kamukunji, Mwenderi, Ngomongo, Munyaka
among others


112

There needs to be a deliberate effort to direct
infrastructural developments in these towns to spur
their growth and that of their hinterland areas.

ii. Devolution
The devolved government structure and resources of
47 counties creates an opportunity for development
of 47 strong administrative centres. These centres will
act as poles of growth and offer an opportunity for
implementation of a new hierarchy in each county. The
spatial growth model, which was implicitly discussed
in chapter 1, envisions these centres as not only being
critical in servicing rural areas but also in absorbing
populations from the rural areas once opportunities
for employment are created. These towns need to be
developed to be able to attract investment.

iii. Supporting Policies
Kenya Vision 2030 advocates for development of
six metropolitan regions. This gives further backing
to the need to develop the urban areas due to their
recognized role in national development.

0 The emergence of the ICT sector that gives urban
centres a new dynamism.

0 Increased participation of private sector in urban
development initiatives

0 Other policy-led initiatives for special feature towns
like the techno-city, Special Economic Zones, resort
cities among other initiatives.

0 Enhanced investment in infrastructural projects
such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), the
renewal and redevelopment of the Northern
Corridor, expansion of the airports all these are

expected to catalyze the growth of towns.

0 Emphasis on planned development with counties
required to expend money only on the basis of a
plan. This is further strengthened by adoption of
integrated development model.

0 Promote conference tourism in other urban areas
in the country

3.6.4 Strategies

i. Promote the development of centers as per their
potential and population as local, market, rural,
urban centers and growth centers.

ii. Create an enabling environment for commercial
and industrial developers to activate potential
development within the urban areas hence
increased employment opportunities for
improved livelihoods of urban dwellers.

iii. Provide alternative areas for development of
urban centers by provision of services and
infrastructure closer to the rural areas thus urban
containment and stimulating rural growth.

iv. Strengthen urban-rural linkages through
provision of integrated transportation and
communication system to reduce the rate of
urbanization and improve the rural economy.

Source: ejatlas.org

Plate 3.2: Dandora Dumpsite


113

CHAPTER IV:
NATIONAL SPATIAL PLAN
POLICY GUIDELINES


Olkaria Geothermal Power Plant

114


115
4.1 Overview

T
he Policies are aimed at promoting the
achievement of the objectives of the National
Spatial Plan. They aim at enhancing global

competitiveness and economic efficiency, optimizing
the use of land and natural resources, promoting
balanced regional development and conserving the
environment. These policies are supported by a wide
range of measures which spell out specific actions to
be undertaken to actualize the policy intentions.

The policies provide a foundation upon which to
anchor the strategies enumerated in the Plan. The
primary aim is to inculcate discipline in the use
of land and natural resources of the country thus
stemming duplication and wastage of the resources.
In addition, the policies provide a framework for the
implementation of large scale national projects as
enunciated in Kenya Vision 2030.

Cumulatively, the policies shall ensure that the
country is globally competitive as an investment
destination particularly in emerging sectors of ICT,
knowledge and innovation-based industries such as
biotechnology, electronics and health as well as niche
tourism products including conferencing. To achieve
this, the NSP shall provide efficient transport and
quality infrastructure to support development of the
emerging sectors. Without prejudice in support areas
of highest potential, the NSP shall simultaneously
support the development of the less developed
regions of the country in order to buttress further the
country’s global competitiveness. This policy will be
based on the sustainable utilization of such regions
with abundant natural resources and potentials in
the areas of agriculture; minerals, tourism and cross
border trade.

The policies shall be implemented by the national and
county government agencies responsible for planning
and development control as well as authorities
responsible for land administration. The sectoral
agencies within the aforementioned governments
shall implement the policies through their sector
policies, plans and programmes. The Medium Term
Plan (MTP) and the National budget shall take into
account the policy provisions of the NSP. The NSP aims
to guide the private sector in making their investment
decisions.

The NSP provides the national structure plan within a
broad framework that gives the general direction of
national spatial development. This framework is divided
and detailed along the following thematic areas:
Enhancing national competitiveness, managing human

settlements, modernizing agriculture, strengthening
industrialization, diversifying the tourism product,
integrating the national transportation network,
providing appropriate infrastructure and promoting
industrialization.

4.2 Resource Potential Growth
Regions

This section outlines how the national spatial structure
relates to each region, including its urban and rural
areas. The Strategy further elaborates the suggested
approach through regional planning guidelines,
county/city development plans and development
strategies. It is imperative to note that these regions
share common interests and interrelate in the way
they function economically and socially.

Four (4) conceptual regions can be derived based on
the physical nature of the regions, the agro-climatic
zones, and location of roads and communications
links. These regions shown on Map 4.1 are:-

0 Region 1: rain fed agricultural potential

0 Region 2: irrigated agriculture and livestock
production potential.

0 Region 3: large scale livestock production potential

0 Region 4: potential for Blue Economy

The framework for the development of these spatial
growth regions is illustrated in Table 4.1.


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Map 4.1: Conceptual Regions

Source: Department of Physical Planning, 2016


117
Table 4.1: Framework for Development of Spatial Growth Regions

Region 1: Highlands (Western,
Central and Rift Valley)
Key Urban Centres:
Kakamega, Kisumu, Kisii, Kericho, Eldoret,
Kitale, Nakuru, Naivasha, Narok, Nyeri,
Murang’a, Nanyuki, Nyahururu, Embu,
Meru, Nairobi, Thika, Ruiru, Kiambu

Potential
• Agricultural production

• Water catchment

• Forestry

• Tourism and Culture

• Mineral Resources

• Energy Resources

• Administrative hub

• Finance and capital hub

• Trade and Commerce

• Industry and value addition

• Transportation hub

Policies
• Enhanced agricultural production and

value addition

• Investment in social and physical
infrastructure

• Environmental conservation

• Intensive land use

• Sustainable urban land use and
growth

• Balanced growth

• Densification of built-up areas

Strategies
• Infrastructure provision to support

value addition initiatives and human
settlement

• Small and medium urban Centres
development

• Conservation of water towers and
resources

• Rural development through provision
of infrastructure, agricultural sector
development and related economic
activities

• Small and medium urban Centres
development

• Development and rehabilitation of
key infrastructure in underserviced
locations

• Services to under-serviced populations

• Environmental protection

• Conservation of wildlife and forest
resources

Region 2: Eastern, South Eastern
and North Western
Key Urban Centres:
Machakos, Matuu, Wote, Kibwezi, Mtito
Andei, Kitui, Mwingi, Kajiado, Loitokitok,
Magadi, Voi, Taveta, Marimanti, Narok,
Ngong, Kiserian, Kitengela, Maralal,
Kacheliba, Isiolo, Alale

Potential
• Agricultural (irrigated) potential

• Tourism and Culture

• Mineral resources

• Water resources

• Wildlife resources Policies

Policies
• Enhanced agricultural and food

production

• Investment in physical and social
infrastructure

• Development of tourism infrastructure

• Mineral mapping and exploitation

• Environmental protection and
conservation

Strategies
• Infrastructure provision to support

value addition initiatives and human
settlement

• Small and medium urban Centres
development

• Rural development through provision
of infrastructure, agricultural sector
development and related economic
activities

• Small and medium urban Centres
development


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Region 3: North, Eastern and upper
coast
Key Urban Centres:
Lodwar, Kakuma, Lokichokio, Lokitaung,
Lokichar, Loiyangalani, Marsabit, North
Horr, Loiyangalani, Mandera, Wajir,
Moyale, El Wak, Dadaab, Isiolo, Garissa,
Hola, Bura

Potential
• Energy Generation

• Livestock Production

• Water Resources

• Fisheries

• Culture and Tourism

• Agriculture (Irrigation)

• Mineral resources

Policies
• Sustainable use and exploitation of

natural resources

• Environmental Conservation

• Balanced growth

• Increased investment in social and
physical infrastructure

Strategies
• Selective development concentration

• Construction of key infrastructure to
support resource exploitation and
development

• Resource mapping and exploitation

• Environmental protection of sensitive
areas and mining zones

• Utilization of water resources for
agriculture and food production

• Urban development around key
human settlement and investment
hubs such as Garissa, Mandera, Wajir

• Enhanced agriculture and food
production along Tana River

Region 4: Coastal belt and the Indian
Ocean
Key Urban Centres:
Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale,
Lunga Lunga, Mtwapa, Watamu, Ganze,
Kaloleni, Msabweni, Ukunda

Potential
• Port city and gateway to East Africa

• Tourism and culture

• Industrial development

• Trade and commerce

• Fisheries

Policies
• Development of tourism infrastructure

• Investment in physical and social
infrastructure

• Sustainable use and exploitation of
natural resources

• Concentrated development especially
around key urban areas

• Resource conservation and cultural
preservation

Strategies
• Selective development concentration

• Infrastructure provision in key human
settlement zones

• Environmental protection of parks
including marine reserves and forests

• Conservation of unique cultural
landscape and resources

• Small and medium urban Centres
development

• Rural development through provision
of infrastructure, agricultural sector
development and related economic
activities

4.3 National Spatial Structure

The NSP establishes the National Spatial Structure
for the primary purposes of achieving national
competitiveness (see Map 4.2). The Plan sets out the
general direction of spatial or physical development
of the country and indicates the distribution and
organization of population and activities in the
whole country. The Plan ensures that land and
natural resources of the country are used optimally.
In addition, it promotes balanced development and
conservation of the environment.

The National Spatial Structure forms a basis for the
preparation of lower tier development plans prepared
at both the national and county levels of government.
These plans include regional development plans,
county spatial plans and local physical development
plans. It also forms a basis for the preparation of
sectoral policies and plans in the areas of agriculture,
industry, tourism, transportation and infrastructure.
The plans shall adhere generally and specifically to
the set of objectives and policies espoused in the
National Spatial Plan. The Plan further complements


119
Map 4.2: Kenya National Spatial Structure

Source: Department of Physical Planning, 2016


120
the National Economic Plan by providing a spatial
perspective to the economic policies. To achieve
this purpose the Plan shall be subjected to ten year
reviews.

Policy Statements
1. The National Spatial Plan establishes the National

spatial structure as a framework to achieve
integrated and sustainable physical/spatial
development of the country.

2. The National Spatial Plan shall be the basis for
the preparation of lower tier development plans
to achieve integrated and sustainable land use
planning and to promote harmony and mutual
cooperation in planning in Kenya.

Measures
(i) All Regional, County and Local physical/spatial

plans shall be guided by the objectives and
policies of the NSP.

(ii) Existing physical/spatial plans shall be reviewed
to conform to the objectives and policies of NSP.

(iii) All sectoral policies shall take cognizance of the
objectives and policies of NSP

(iv) The review of the 5 year medium term plans
(MTP’s) shall take into account provisions of the
NSP.

(v) Planning authorities at the national and county
levels shall be supported with adequate human,
financial and technical resources to promote
sustainable Physical/spatial planning and
development.

4.4 Enhancing National
Competitiveness

4.4.1 Overview

Enhancing national competitiveness is the primary
objective of both the National Economic Plan (Kenya
Vision 2030) and the National Spatial Plan (NSP).
Economic globalization presents both opportunities
and challenges to the development of the country.
The opportunities are in the form of open markets,
increased inflow of investment and job opportunities.
However, economic globalization presents a serious
challenge to the country in the form of cut throat
competition in the global markets. Kenya has
traditionally been a power house in the East Africa
Region, but its dominant economic position is being
increasingly challenged by neighboring countries
such as Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia and

Sudan. These economies are threatening to catch up
and even surpass Kenya’s economic dominance. In
the wider Africa perspective South Africa, Nigeria and
Egypt for instance, are performing better than Kenya
in the global market.

To enhance its competitiveness Kenya needs to
leverage on its strengths and opportunities that
include; its city regions which include Nairobi,
Mombasa and Kisumu that have shown capacity to
compete with similar regions in the global arena; its
geographical location as a gateway country to the
East and Central Africa Region; its relatively strong
tertiary and industrial sector; its emerging ICT and
knowledge based sectors such as biotechnology,
health, education; its pool of well-trained and skilled
human capital; its abundant natural resources in the
form of land, minerals, energy, water, forests, flora and
fauna; its existing and proposed infrastructure in the
form of the northern corridor which comprises of road,
rail and oil pipeline, the proposed LAPSSET corridor
which shall also comprise of similar infrastructure
facilities, seaports and airports. The country shall also
leverage its competitiveness by acting together with
countries in the shared economic blocs of East African
Community (EAC) and Common Market for East and
Southern Africa (COMESA) to face the global market
to enhance her bargaining power.

4.4.2 Policy Thrust

In view of the opportunities, the National Spatial Plan
shall adopt selective concentration concept for urban
based activities to leverage national competitiveness
(see Map 4.3). This strategy proposes a stratified
approach for location of urban based economic
activities. Nairobi and Mombasa shall be the first
destination for outward looking investment because
they are strong players in the global arena in terms
of commerce, international transport and strong
locational advantages. Kisumu shall be developed
as a regional economic and transportation hub in
the great lakes region due to its location on Lake
Victoria that provides it with the reach to Uganda and
Tanzania and the other landlocked countries such
as Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic
of Congo. Nakuru and Eldoret shall be developed
as alternative investment destinations due to their
locational advantages on the northern corridor and
existing infrastructural provisions. Lamu, Garissa,
Isiolo, Lodwar, Maralal, Wajir and Marsabit are
proposed urban conurbations due to their locational
advantages to act as alternative growth areas.

The city regions shall be planned and provided
with requisite and appropriate housing, land banks,
transportation and infrastructure to improve


121
efficiency and livability index to attract and retain
investment as well as local and international skilled
human capital. Emerging sectors such as ICT,
biotechnology shall be located in city regions that
have the advantage of competing globally namely
Nairobi and Mombasa. The country’s abundant land
and natural resources shall be used optimally and
sustainably to enhance national competitiveness.
The focus of the policy shall be to attract investments
towards the underperforming regions which have
immense resource potentials. To take advantage of the
geographic location as a gateway country, the existing
northern transport corridor shall be improved and
modernized to enhance efficiency and to renew both
rural and urban economies. The proposed LAPSSET
corridor shall be developed to spur economic growth
by establishing new economies in the hinterlands.
Other major corridors shall be developed to provide
connectivity between the LAPSSET and the Northern
Transport corridor. Industrial and manufacturing
activities with strong external linkages shall be
located in the existing main industrial centres of
Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu to take advantage of
existing infrastructure and for ease of connectivity to
the market. The seaport of Mombasa and the inland
port of Kisumu shall be improved to enhance their
efficiency in handling international and regional goods
respectively. The Lamu seaport shall be developed to
support the existing port of Mombasa thus improving
the country’s competitiveness as a transportation hub.
The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) shall be
improved and modernized to enhance Kenya’s status
as a gateway to East and Central Africa. The National
Spatial Plan encourages enhanced cooperation in
spatial and economic planning with other members
of East African Community (EAC) and Common
Markets of East and Southern Africa (COMESA) to face
the global market as a large economic unit and to
increase the chances of drawing the opportunities of
globalization and agglomeration.

4.4.3 Policy Statements

1. The selective concentration concept shall be
adopted for the planning and location of urban
based economic activities in all counties to
leverage on national competitiveness.

0 Concentrate urban based economic activities
such as industrial and manufacturing
sector, ICT, knowledge based services and
biotechnology targeting global/ international
markets in Nairobi and Mombasa.

0 Concentrate urban based economic activities
targeting the great lakes region in Kisumu,
Nakuru or Eldoret

0 Concentrate urban based economic activities

in selected urban areas of Lamu, Garissa,
Isiolo, Lodwar, Marsabit to spur economic
development and to exploit the natural
resource endowments in those regions The
preparation of Spatial Development Plans to
guide development in the selected national
growth areas shall be prioritized.

2. The major urban areas shall be planned and
provided with appropriate infrastructure to
enhance efficiency and quality of life.

0 Enhance the Livability Index for urban areas
by providing quality and affordable housing,
efficient public transportation, improving
neighborhood characteristics, conserve and
improve the quality of the environment,
quality healthcare, create job opportunities,
and promote civic and social engagement.
Establish an efficient public transportation
system comprising of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT),
Commuter Rail and non-motorized transport
(NMT) for Nairobi and Mombasa.

0 Provide appropriate trunk infrastructure in the
form of reliable energy, water, sanitation and
ICT.

0 Advance Technological Readiness through the
provision of technological centers linked to
different levels all over the country eg Science
parks, Research laboratories etc.

0 Improve the road infrastructure by providing
for modal split, linkages and interchanges.

3. Land and natural resources of the less developed
areas shall be utilized optimally and sustainably
to enhance national competitiveness.

0 Encourage the transformation from traditional
farming and livestock keeping methods to
modern practices.

0 Widen the economic base of the less developed
regions and places through strengthening
of agricultural downstream processing of
agricultural products.

0 Identify and develop the tourism potential
within the northern circuit.

0 Explore and exploit the mineral, energy and
water potentials.

0 Provide transportation networks and
other infrastructure necessary to support
exploitation of land and other natural
resources.


122

Source: Department of Physical Planning, 2016

Map 4.3: Potential Growth Centres


123
0 Provide technical training and social
development programmes to enhance
integration of the communities in these areas
into the modern economy.

0 Support development of urban areas in the
less developed areas to catalyze development.

4. The efficiency of the transportation network shall
be enhanced to take advantage of the strategic
location and position of the country.

0 Renew and modernize the existing northern
corridor to spur economic development in the
southern region and improve the linkages to
East and Central African region.

0 Develop the LAPSSET corridor to spur
economic development in the northern region
and improve linkage to Northern Africa region.

0 The existing port of Mombasa shall be
upgraded and modernized to facilitate the
efficient handling of cargo.

0 Develop the Lamu port to provide support
to the existing port of Mombasa, catalyze
development and handle cargo from the
Northern Africa region.

0 Revitalize the inland port of Kisumu for
domestic and regional travel.

0 Upgrade and modernize the existing railway
facilities from Mombasa to Malaba and Kisumu.

0 Enhance railway and road coverage and
connectivity to cover the whole country

0 Develop the railway facilities from Lamu
to Sudan and Ethiopia as proposed in the
LAPSSET

0 Provide for robust transportation for efficient,
modern and low -cost connectivity by Sea, Air,
Rail, Road and Fibre Optic

0 Spatial development plans shall be prepared
for the main transportation corridors to guide
the planning and development of the corridors
for sustainable economic development and
transportation

5. The National Spatial Plan encourages enhanced
cooperation in spatial and economic planning
with member states of the East African
Community (EAC) and the Common Markets of
East and Southern Africa (COMESA).

0 The planning of trans-boundary resources,
transport corridors and infrastructure as well
as border urban areas shall be undertaken
jointly

6. The National Spatial Plan shall promote
development of the Blue Economy and its
integration into the economy of the Country

0 Develop human capacity in partnership with
the academia to conduct research, explore and
exploit the resources

0 Ensure the formulation and implementation of
an integrated coastal land use plan;

0 Plan, manage and effectively govern the use of
marine space and resources, applying inclusive
methods and the ecosystem approach.

0 Develop and apply standards, guidelines and
best practices that support a sustainable blue
economy. National and County governments,
shall develop and apply the global
sustainability standards, guidelines and best
practices.

0 Develop the requisite infrastructure for the
development of the Blue Economy

0 Establish and implement a framework for
beach management that ensures public access
as well as protection and conservation of the
beaches.

4.5 Modernizing Agriculture

4.5.1 Overview

Kenya Vision 2030 identifies agriculture (both crop
and livestock) as one of the key sectors in the delivery
of the 10% annual economic growth rate as envisaged
under the economic pillar.

The agriculture sector in Kenya contributes 25% to the
Gross Domestic Product and a further 27% through
manufacturing, distribution and service sectors and
accounts for 65% of the export earnings. The crops,
livestock and fisheries sub-sectors are the main
components of the agricultural sector contributing
77.6%, 19.6% and 2.0% of the agricultural GDP
respectively. The sector employs over 80% of Kenya’s
rural workforce and provides more than 18% of
formal employment. The sector provides food to the
population, raw materials for industries and generates
foreign exchange earnings.


124
However, the sector faces a number of challenges key
among them being steady reduction of agricultural
land, low value additions to agricultural products,
poor marketing, market uncertainties and ineffective
research-extension farmer linkages. As a result, the
agricultural production and productivity has gradually
reduced and thus decreased income to the farmers.

However, the agricultural sector has major potentials
and opportunities in the form of agro climatic zones
that afford the country an opportunity to diversify
agriculture; irrigation potential; fishing potential;
existing agricultural production practices that can be
built upon; agricultural technology and innovation
being adopted; research institutions and extension
services and local knowledge that can be leveraged
upon to improve the sector. In addition to these, local
and international markets are available for agricultural
products.

4.5.2 Policy Thrust

The NSP proposes a land development strategy
that shall safeguard the high potential agricultural
land by setting the urban growth limits, diverting
urbanization from the high potential areas, and
regulating the subdivision of this land (see Map 4.4).
It shall also promote the intensification of the use
of the land and the optimization of the irrigation
potential by expanding the acreage of land under
irrigation, and fishing potential by adopting aqua
culture and marine-culture and safeguarding the
main inland water bodies from pollution. The NSP
promotes the optimization of marine fishing potential
particularly within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
and the Continental Shelf. In addition, NSP proposes
to link agricultural production to the agro ecological
potentials to increase livestock production in the low
potential areas by introducing dry land farming in the
medium potential areas and intensifying productivity
in the high potential areas.

To achieve this, the NSP shall simultaneously; support
the adoption of modern methods of production
and technology; enhance value addition; improve
infrastructural facilities that links production market
centers; improving production and packaging
standards to international standards; reduce the cost
of production by making farm inputs cheaper; provide
on and off farm storage facilities; improve coordination
by establishing cross sectoral frameworks; create
favorable credit regimes to subsidize farmers;
strengthen the farmer organizations and cooperatives;
improve the extension services and provide insurance
facilities to cushion farmers.

4.5.3 Policy Statements

1. Agro climatic zones I, II, III shall be safeguarded
against the threat of urbanization and land
subdivision

0 Urban spatial development plans prepared in
respect of urban areas in the identified zones
shall set urban growth limits

0 High potential agricultural land falling
between urban areas in the identified zones
shall be strictly designated for agriculture
production purposes

0 Subdivision of land within zones I, II, III shall be
strictly regulated

0 New urban developments shall be encouraged
to be located in existing brownfield areas, low
potential areas and less urbanized areas

2. Agro climatic zones IV, V and VI (rangelands) shall
be developed and used optimally for large scale
commercial production of livestock to support
downstream processing of livestock products
and promote balanced regional development

0 County spatial plans prepared by counties
within the identified zones shall guide and
promote the development of large scale
livestock productions.

0 Prioritize provision of requisite infrastructure
(water pans, dams, cold storage facilities and
laboratories) to support ranching in respect to
ASALs of Northern, Eastern, Coastal and South
Western areas of the country.

0 Modernize livestock keeping through
appropriate animal husbandry (high-yielding
breeds, extension services and research and
disease control), product processing and
timely marketing.

0 Appropriate rangelands management
practices shall be adopted including
observance of carrying capacity, conservation
of the natural vegetation and adaptation and
mitigation against climate change and its
impacts.

0 Early warning systems, prompt response and
recovery systems shall be taken to cushion
communities and make them more resilient to
the perennial drought cycles


125
0 Provide transport connectivity and adequate
inter and intra-road networks as well as other
social and physical infrastructure

0 Enhance the ASALs comparative advantage in
tourism

0 Increase livelihood diversification, productivity
and competiveness and create an investment
environment based on local dynamics and
internal potentials

0 Establish infant industries in rural and
rangeland areas for value addition and
investments opportunities

0 Enhance ASAL climate change adaptation and
mitigate desertification

3. Grain basket areas shall be prioritized and
protected to ensure food security

0 The grain producing areas of Trans Nzoia,
Nandi, Narok, Kericho, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru,
Lugari, Laikipia and Bungoma shall be
designated as grain baskets

0 Restrict the conversion of land into these areas
to agriculture

0 Divert urban development from these areas
and strictly regulate the subdivision of land

0 Formulate fiscal measures to support farmers
in grain basket areas

0 Provide appropriate infrastructure to support
production, drying and storage of grains

4. The use of land in high agricultural potential areas
shall be intensified to increase productivity

0 Adopt modern agricultural production
methods and practices

0 Upscale the adoption of technology in
agricultural production

0 Encourage mixed farming

0 Promote agri-business

0 Provide appropriate infrastructure to support

the exploitation of the high potential areas

5. The irrigation potential of the country shall be
optimized by promoting investment in irrigation
agriculture for high value crops

0 Existing irrigations schemes shall be
rehabilitated and expanded.

0 Research shall be undertaken to identify the
irrigation potential in all counties throughout
the country

0 New irrigation schemes shall be established in
areas with irrigation potential

0 Small holder irrigation schemes shall be
encouraged through sensitization campaigns
and reducing the cost of irrigation equipment

6. The fishing potential of the country shall be
optimized to increase the food stock and export
earnings

0 Protect the inland fishing resources from
over fishing, pollution and destruction of the
breeding grounds

0 Support the sustainable exploitation of sea
fishing resource in the EEZ and Continental
shelf

0 Encourage small holder farmers to establish
fish farms in areas with potential throughout
the country

0 Undertake research to identify the areas with
potential for fish farming

0 Provide appropriate infrastructure to support
the fishing industry

0 Increase access to fishing equipment by
making them affordable through reduced
taxation


126
Map 4.4: Kenya Agricultural Promotion Areas

Source: Department of Physical Planning, 2016


127
4.6 Diversifying Tourism

4.6.1 Overview

The tourism sector remains vital for the continued
growth of the Kenyan economy. It is one of the key
priority sectors identified in Kenya Vision 2030 with
high potential of spurring the country’s economic
growth and development. The government has made
effort to improve the sector through marketing which
culminated in the enactment of the Tourism Act 2011
to guide development in the sector

The Second MTP (2013-2017) and the National Tourism
Strategy identifies a number of challenges affecting
the sector. These include, untapped and declining
product diversity and the continued over reliance on
a narrow product range, lack of investment incentives
to spur new developments leading to inadequate
bed capacity and poor distribution of facilities
across regions and weak development control and
regulatory frameworks in the industry resulting in
poaching and human wildlife conflicts as well as
security concerns leading to negative travel advisories.
In addition, inadequate physical Infrastructure and
weak integration of ICT in the development and
management of the tourism value chain continues
to negatively affect the sector. To address the above
challenges, the NSP lays emphasis on diversification of
tourism products throughout the country.

4.6.2 Policy Thrust

The NSP proposes a tourism development strategy
that shall increase contribution of tourism to the
GDP through FDI earnings, develop and leverage on
the existing diverse potential to give the visitors a
rich tourism experience, increase and maintain the
number of visitors in the country and also increase
the bed and tourist facility capacity (see Map 4.5).
The NSP also aims at improving the value chain and
supporting the completion of Vision 2030 flagship
projects as well as supporting the penetration into
non-traditional markets. It aims at promoting niche
products to increase earnings per capita, prioritize
MICE products and promote the whole country as a
tourist destination through the different circuits that
offer unique characteristics and expansion of land and
chartered air transportation networks. In addition,
the NSP promotes creative packaging and branding
of the tourist products. Further, it aims at increasing
community participation in the form of distinctive
local customs and song, dance, cuisine, history, art and
handicrafts, as well as conservation and sustainable
exploitation of the rich natural resource diversity.

4.6.3 Policy Statements

1. The NSP shall promote diversification of tourism
by offering diverse products in the different
tourist circuits throughout the country.

0 The Northern Circuit shall be planned and
developed to offer; safari and wildlife, cultural
and heritage, archeological and historical,
filming ecotourism and adventure tourism
products.

0 The Western Circuit shall be planned and
developed to offer; ecotourism, ecology/study
tourism, sports and cultural tourism, adventure
tourism, medical tourism, MICE, agro tourism
and cultural and heritage tourism products

0 Central and Great Rift Valley Circuit shall
be developed to offer; eco-tourism, sport
tourism, cultural tourism, adventure tourism,
medical tourism, MICE, cultural and heritage,
agro tourism, safari and wildlife, archeological
and historical, filming, and urban tourism, high
yield tourism segment through development
of international-branded facilities.

0 Southern Circuit shall be developed to offer;
safari and wildlife, cultural and heritage,
ecological, archeological and historical,
filming, ecotourism and adventure tourism.

0 Kenya Coast Circuit shall be developed
to offer; beach and adventure tourism,
ecotourism, sport tourism, cultural tourism,
medical tourism, MICE, cultural and heritage,
agro tourism, safari and wildlife, ecological,
archeological and historical tourism, and
urban tourism

2. Appropriate Tourism support infrastructure and
facilities shall be provided

0 Carry out an inventory of tourism infrastructure
and facilities in all the tourism circuits.

0 Formulate planning regulations and standards
to guide tourist specific infrastructure and
facilities.

0 Develop the requisite tourism support
infrastructure and facilities.

0 Upgrade the existing tourism facilities and
infrastructure.

0 Adopt low carbon and green tourism
infrastructure options.


128
Map 4.5: Kenya Tourism Potential Assessment

Source: Department of Physical Planning, 2016


129
0 Increase bed capacity in tourist attraction
areas and towns throughout the country.

0 Provide and upgrade the ICT infrastructure to
support tourism.

3. Tourist attraction areas and sites shall be
conserved and protected

0 Identify, map and protect all wildlife migratory
corridors.

0 Prepare subject plans for the wildlife migratory
and dispersal corridors and wildlife habitat as
a unit.

0 Prohibit the location of incompatible land use
activities.

0 Strictly regulate developments within the
tourist attraction sites.

0 Protect wildlife watering points

4. Appropriate Transport infrastructure shall be
provided to link the different tourist circuits,
attraction areas and sites

0 Prepare and implement an integrated Tourism
Transportation Master Plan.

0 Upgrade the existing land transportation
facilities.

0 Upgrade the air transportation facilities.

0 Encourage application of low carbon options
in transport infrastructure.

5. Governance of the tourism sector shall be
enhanced.

0 Prepare integrated spatial plans to guide
development of the tourism sector.

0 Prepare and implement National Policies on
land use, wildlife and tourism;

0 Undertake research to identify more tourist
attraction areas and sites, inventorize Agro-
tourism sites in potential areas of tea, coffee
estates, and food festivals.

0 Enhance tourism dedicated security to the
tourism sector.

0 Identify and map potential eco-tourism
development sites;

0 Undertake awareness campaigns on the value
of eco-tourism to the industry players both
locally and globally;

0 Develop standards for eco-tourism
establishments;

0 Facilitate access to eco-tourism development
incentives

6. Spatial Development plans shall be prepared to
guide implementation of the flagship projects for
the tourism sector

0 Prepare Lamu, Isiolo and Lake Turkana Resort
Cities local physical development plans.

0 Prepare Coastal Beach Ecosystem Management
plans.

0 Prepare local physical development plans to
actualize the Premium Parks Initiative

0 Prepare Ecosystem area plans for all parks
and reserves in conjunction with respective
county governments to address problems of
unplanned development of lodges and poor
access roads.

0 Prepare a local physical development plan to
actualize the two phases of the Eden Cradle
of Humankind project to position the Lake
Turkana Basin as the renowned place for
human origins internationally.

0 Prepare plans for three cultural heritage sites
of Fort Jesus in Mombasa, Lamu old town and
the sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests and the
three Natural heritage sites of Great Rift Valley
lakes - Lake Elementaita, Lake Bogoria and
Lake Nakuru to actualize the Niche Products
Programme.

4.7 Managing Human
Settlements

4.7.1 Overview

The Kenya Vision 2030 anticipates that more than half
of our nation’s population is likely to be residing in
urban areas following the current population trends.
Thus, Kenya will need to plan for decent and high


130
quality urban livelihoods for her population. The
Vision’s goal for housing and urbanization is for Kenya’s
population to be adequately and decently housed in
a sustainable environment. The medium-term goal
for 2012 is to increase the production of housing units
from 35,000 to over 200,000 units annually. There is
an acute need, therefore, for an effective capacity for
regional and urban development planning starting
with adequate housing for those living in major cities,
towns and the populations living in slums.

Some of the initiatives the Government has purposed
to undertake include; the Housing Development
Initiative which calls for an increase in annual
development of adequate housing with an emphasis
on equity in access, beginning with low-income
housing and the Mortgage Financing Initiative which
seeks to establish a secondary mortgage finance
corporation as well as a national housing fund
while also introducing the concept of housing and
infrastructure bonds.

Some of the challenges in relation to the human
settlements are the rapid urbanization rates,
underutilization of the resources in the rural areas,
the dispersed nature of the human settlements,
deteriorating infrastructure, proliferation of informal
settlements, gentrification, weak and uncoordinated
development control and enforcement systems.

4.7.2 Policy Thrust

The NSP pushes for modification of the Human
Settlement Strategy of 1978 and the tackling of
emerging realities in the form of population increase
and accelerated urbanization; changing lifestyle
patterns; deterioration of the urban fabric as well as
accelerated mutation of agricultural land (see Map
4.6). The policy is also driven by the need to strengthen
the major conurbations to attract investment and
cushion the country from negative globalization
impacts, the need to improve the living standards
of the population, need to use land sustainably,
the need to ensure balanced development and the
need to restructure the economy towards industrial
development.

The NSP aims to localize Sustainable Development
Goal No 11 on making cities and human settlements
to be more inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
It also aims at realizing the second MTP which calls
for a sound policy framework for rational planning,
a suitable legal framework and development and
management using the requisite technology to
promote sustainable urbanization in the realization of
Kenya Vision 2030.

4.7.3 Policy Statements

1. The expected increase in population in urban
areas shall be anticipated and accommodated
particularly for the main growth areas.

0 Increase the housing stock by planning and
redeveloping existing housing areas.

0 Plan and designate land for new housing
schemes

0 Upgrade the existing and provide additional
infrastructure and facilities to support
housing development in the urban areas

0 Formulate enabling local policy frameworks
to support employment and income
generation.

0 Locate industrial and service development
activities with the global reach in the main
urban areas

0 Provide efficient transportation and quality
infrastructure in human settlements to
support industrial and service sectors.

0 Promote adoption of technology and fiscal
incentives and market support for the
informal sector.

2. The Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu growth
areas shall be supported to enhance global
competitiveness.

0 Plan and develop the growth areas as
economic development areas. These should
address the spatial and aesthetic quality of the
urban areas; provision of housing, protection
of the natural environment; efficient
transportation and quality infrastructure and
urban facilities; safety and security.

0 Incorporate green belts to act as buffer zones
and carbon sinks in urban areas.

0 Regulate developments in the green buffer
zones to only allow compatible use.

0 Less intensive agricultural practices such as
kitchen gardening shall be promoted.

3. Alternative urban areas shall be developed
and supported to promote balanced regional
development and spur growth.

0 Develop principal towns such as Embu,
Garissa, Nakuru, Isiolo, Eldoret, Lodwar, Wajir,
Marsabit and Nyeri, in accordance with their
regional potentials and be promoted as
alternatives to the three main growth areas.


131
0 Develop urban centres as intermediate

centres between the rural and the principal
towns.

0 Provide principal towns and urban centres
with the requisite infrastructure to support
their growth and development.

0 Prepare local physical development plans
to define the urban growth limits for the
principal urban centres.

0 Enforce strict regulations and justifications on
development control processes.

0 Intensify the supply of urban infrastructure
within the area contained to make it attractive
for investment.

4. Rural growth centres shall be rationalized and
supported to act as central places and settlements
clustered to free the rich agricultural land

0 Provide basic services such as extension
services, health facilities, markets, sanitation,
water, power and education to improve the
quality of rural life.

0 Undertake sensitization and awareness
campaigns on the need to conserve
agricultural land by discouraging land
fragmentation.

0 Progressively link growth centres by means of
secondary roads as a minimum.

0 Promote sectors such as agriculture that have
potential to stimulate rural development

0 Incorporate disaster management and
mitigation in planning of rural settlements.

5. Human settlements shall be developed in line
with environmental and natural resources
conservation to improve living conditions

0 Map out and prohibit development in
environmental sensitive areas.

0 Plan and provide an integrated waste
management system.

0 Prepare and implement zoning guidelines to
ensure compatibility of land uses in human
settlement areas.

0 Promote social organization and
environmental awareness through the
participation of local communities in the
identification of public service needs.

0 Strengthen the capacity of the local governing
bodies to effectively deal with environmental
challenges associated with rapid and sound
urban growth.

0 Empower community groups, non-
governmental organizations and individuals
to assume responsibility and authority for
managing and enhancing their environment.

0 Deliberately provide adequate and functional
open spaces in urban places.

0 Prescribe planning standards for open/green
space on private development.

0 Encourage non-motorized transport (NMT)
and re-introduction of public transport in
major cities and urban centres

0 Aim for zero carbon building standards by
2032 and ensure all buildings meet energy
efficiency criteria

6. The NSP advocates for the provision of an
efficient, reliable and effective transport system
for human settlements

0 Plan and develop an integrated urban
transport system to enhance provision of
relevant modal split.

0 Integrate land use and transportation
planning to encourage development patterns
which reduce transport demands

0 Establish an efficient mass transit public
transportation system for Nairobi and
Mombasa and plan the same for Kisumu,
Embu, Garissa, Nakuru, Isiolo Eldoret, Lodwar,
Wajir, Marsabit and Nyeri.

0 Establish an effective transport management
system that enhances the reliability and
efficiency of the transport system

0 Improve the road conditions and expand the
linkages to human settlements

0 Integrate NMT with existing transport
infrastructure.

0 Incorporate the concept of green energy
in transport systems planning and
redevelopment.

0 Prepare a transportation strategy for each
urban area or city, as part of the integrated
urban development plan required under
the Urban Areas and Cities Act 2011, in
collaboration with the National Government.
The strategy to include non-motorized
transport

0 The National Government to establish a
comprehensive transportation management
information system for all transportation
modes.


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Map 4.6: Kenya’s Proposed Human Settlement Pattern

Source: Department of Physical Planning, 2016


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7. The management and governance of Human

Settlements particularly the urban areas shall be
improved.

0 Build institutional capacities of the urban
areas management boards

0 Integrate technology in management of
human settlements to strengthen urban data
systems.

0 Coordinate and strengthen development
control mechanisms

0 Provide adequate human resource and
improve their capacity in management of
human settlements in the sectors of; housing,
settlement, land, infrastructure, construction,
energy and disaster management

0 Conduct research into migration trends to
inform effective planning and provision of
human settlements.

0 Enable public private partnerships in the
provision of housing.

8. NSP shall advocate for upgrading of the existing
settlements and forestalling of new informal
settlements

0 Encourage redistribution of urban income
through integrated development planning
encompassing social, economic and physical
factors

0 Prepare Local Physical Development Plans for
purpose of renewal and/or redevelopment of
the informal settlements.

0 Formulate a housing policy that will focus on
providing affordable and accessible housing.

0 Ease the process of issuance of ownership
documents to the legal owners in order to
encourage formal developments

0 Enforce development control regulations and
adherence to building code and standards.

0 Enhance coordination of donor agencies
activities within informal settlements by
relevant authorities for optimal returns.

9. Peri-urban development shall be managed and
controlled to contain urban growth within its
limits and protect rural land uses.

0 Formulate policy for urban containment and
densification

0 Formulate and implement planning
legislation on peri-urban planning and
management.

0 Institute sanctions on idle land to encourage
productive and sustainable land utilization.

0 Create green belt buffer zones to define the
urban and peri-urban areas.

0 Incentivize local farmers to preserve
agricultural land by promoting local
production and providing ready markets for
agricultural produce

4.8 Conserving the Natural
Environment

4.8.1 Overview

Kenya aims at achieving a clean, secure and
sustainable environment by 2030. Specific strategies
will involve promoting environmental conservation
in order to provide better support to the flagship
projects premised on the economic pillar and for the
purposes of achieving the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs).

The Constitution of Kenya, Article 42 states that
every person has the right to a clean and healthy
environment, which includes the right to have the
environment protected for the benefit of present
and future generations through legislative and other
measures. Article 69 further provides that the State
shall ensure sustainable exploitation, utilization,
management and conservation of the environment
and natural resources, and ensure the equitable
sharing of the accruing benefits.

The environment in Kenya comprises of ecosystems
which include forests, freshwaters, wetlands,
coastal and marine, mountains, arid, semi-arid and
spectacularly diverse wildlife populations. Within
these ecosystems are key natural and cultural heritage
resources which support diverse biodiversity and
provide natural capital for economic development
and support livelihoods.

Fragile Ecosystems
Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs)
The main threats to ASALs include expanding
agriculture, charcoal burning and fuel wood
collection, uncontrolled fires, human settlements, land
degradation, deforestation and overgrazing. Climate
change influences the ability of ASALs to cope with
these challenges. However there are opportunities
that can be harnessed. For instance, ASALs host about
70% of the national livestock herd with an estimated
value of Kshs. 70 billion; they are home to more
than 90% of the wild game that supports the tourist
industry and they contain most of the protected areas


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such as game reserves and national parks. The latest
technological advancements have revealed that they
have enormous potential for renewable energy, from
both solar and wind. Other natural resources include
sand and gravel for construction, soda ash, gums,
resins, gemstones, medicinal plants, and potentially oil
and gas and the pastoralists’ experience of managing
climate variability.

Highlands Ecosystems are particularly fragile and
highly susceptible to erosion and landslides. They are
especially important for biodiversity conservation
since many harbor unique assemblages of plants and
animals, including high levels of endemic species.
Highlands are an important source of water. For
example, Mt Kenya, Mt Elgon, Aberdare Ranges, Mau
Complex and Cherangani Hills are Kenya’s major
water towers. These ecosystems have been subjected
to a variety of uses and in the process they have been
exposed to degradation. The main drivers of such
ecosystems degradation are deforestation, illegal
logging, poaching of wild plants and animals, fires
and mining, uncontrolled grazing, encroachment and
the negative effects of climate change.

Lowlands
The lowlands in Kenya consist of the coastal and Lake
Victoria basin ecosystems. Coastal ecosystems are
composed of multiple interacting systems – maritime,
terrestrial and aquatic and include the islands and
the 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Coastal ecosystems provide a wide range of important
goods and services. The services include storing
and cycling nutrients, regulating water balances,
buffering land and protecting it against erosion
from storms and waves and filtering pollutants. On
a larger scale, the oceans also play an important role
in regulating planetary balances in hydrology and
climate. The major threats to these ecosystems include
urbanization, poor waste management, shoreline
modification, pollution from land-based activities
and other sources, over-exploitation and destruction
of marine living resources such as mangroves, oil and
gas exploration, use of unsustainable fishing methods,
invasive and alien species and adverse effects of
climate change. The incremental loss of natural habitat
has reduced vegetation cover exposing soils to both
wind and water erosion. Most of the land has either
fragile ecosystems that need to be protected, soils
with low fertility and poor texture, biotic constraints
such as tsetse fly, or is prone to natural disasters such
as floods.

Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Forest ecosystems are important in conservation of
soil, water and biodiversity as well as in moderation

of climate. They are the richest terrestrial habitats
for biodiversity. Maintaining forest biodiversity
safeguards the economic potential of future
opportunities for new non-timber products such as
food and medicine as well as social sustainability by
offering aesthetic, spiritual and recreational settings
for people.

The challenges facing the ecosystem include;
overwhelming pressure from competing land uses
like agriculture, industry, human settlement and
development of infrastructure; extraction of forest
products, illegal logging, cutting trees for fuel wood
and charcoal and grazing of livestock have also
contributed to the degradation of forests. These
competing land uses have adverse environmental
effects on long-term sustainability of forest
ecosystems. Large scale loss of forests would lead
to catastrophic, permanent change in the country’s
ecology with consequent loss of agricultural
productivity, industrial potential development, living
conditions and aggravated natural disasters such
as floods and drought. It would also endanger the
country’s water supplies since the five major water
towers are located in forested lands.

Wetland ecosystems form an important part
of Kenya’s natural resources with considerable
provisioning, regulatory and supporting services.
Their provisioning services include the storage and
retention of water for domestic, agricultural and
industrial use. Their regulating services include
modifying water flows, recharging and discharging
groundwater resources and diluting or removing
pollutants. Their supporting services are important for
soil formation and retention as well as nutrient cycling.
These ecosystems also provide habitats for a great
number of plant and animal species. The ecosystems
face numerous threats from human population
pressure and land use changes. Some of them have
been converted for agricultural use, settlements and
commercial developments. Other threats include
pollution, sedimentation and over-exploitation of
wetland resources, introduction of alien species and
encroachment of riparian reserves and adverse effects
of climate variability. These have caused extensive
degradation, reduction in water quality and quantity
and loss of freshwater and wetland ecosystem goods
and services.

Marine Ecosystem
Kenya’s marine ecosystems range from mangroves
and coastal wetlands to lagoons, coral reefs and Open
Ocean; the country has national reserves designed
specifically to protect its marine environments.
These include, Watamu Marine Park and Reserve,
Kiunga Marine National Reserve, Malindi Marine Park


135
and Reserve, Diani/ Chale Marine National Park and
Reserve, Kisite Marine National Park.

The greatest threats to the country’s marine
ecosystems are unsustainable levels of fishing and
the impacts of global climate change, both of which
have wrought havoc on the Indian Ocean’s coral reefs.
Use of motorized fishing vessels and sophisticated
fishing gear, which are more destructive and
economic growth, also erodes cultural restrictions
on overfishing. Increased development and
urbanization along the coastline generates runoff,
impacts water flows, and causes sedimentation
in Kenya’s coastal waters. In addition, pollution,
poor waste management, shoreline modification,
over-exploitation and destruction of marine living
resources such as mangroves, use of unsustainable
fishing methods, invasive and alien species and
adverse effects of climate change.

4.8.2 Policy Thrust

The NSP looks at the entire country as environmentally
fragile and seeks to prioritize the protection and
conservation of environmentally sensitive areas (see
Map 4.7). It supports the realization of a clean, secure
and sustainable natural environment for high quality
of life by strengthening environmental governance;
waste management and pollution control;
rehabilitation of environmentally fragile ecosystems;
adaptation to and mitigation against the negative
effects of climate change; improvement of the land
management practices; reduction of human-wildlife
conflicts and curb poaching. Further the NSP aims at
reducing conflicts over natural resources; promote
the use of renewable energy sources; sensitization
on the economic value of environmental resources
and encourage local community participation in
biodiversity conservation and development. This
coupled with further investments in research and
development shall ultimately facilitate a better quality
of life for present and future generations through
sustainable management and use of the environment
and natural resources.

4.8.3 Policy Statements

1. All environmentally sensitive areas
shall be protected and utilized in a
sustainable manner

Wetlands
0 Prepare integrated wetland resource management
plans to promote sustainable use of freshwater and
wetland resources

0 Develop and implement catchment-based wetland
management plans for all Ramsar sites through a
participatory process.

0 Rehabilitate and restore the degraded wetlands,
river banks and lake shores and promote and
support establishment of constructed wetlands.

0 Involve and empower communities in the
management of fresh water and wetland
ecosystems

0 Promote and institutionalize payment for
environmental utility services to support
catchment protection and conservation.

Marine Ecosystems
0 Prepare integrated marine resource management
plans to promote sustainable use of marine
resources

0 Undertake and support research and training in
the conservation and management of coastal and
marine ecosystems and resources.

0 Promote closer regional and international
cooperation in the conservation and management
of marine migratory species.

0 Harmonize and coordinate the roles of various
regulatory agencies charged with the management
of coastal and marine resources.

0 Involve and empower communities in the
management of coastal and marine ecosystems

0 Implement the Integrated Coastal Zone
Management (ICZM) Policy and Integrated Ocean
Management Policy, Strategy and Action Plan.

0 Implement Lake Management and Conservation
Plans for Lakes Naivasha, Elementaita, Bogoria,
Baringo, Turkana, Nakuru and Ol Bolossat

Forest Ecosystems
0 Prepare integrated forest resource management
plans to promote sustainable use of forest resources

0 Develop and implement a national strategy
for rehabilitation and restoration of degraded
natural and indigenous forests and protect
water catchment areas with active community
involvement/participation

0 Support effective implementation of the forest and
other related policies and laws.

0 Develop and implement national standards,
principles and criteria of sustainable forest
management

0 Encourage development and implementation
of appropriate forestry-based investment
programmes and projects

0 Involve and empower communities in the
management of forest ecosystems


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0 Determine potential areas for farm/agro and dry
land forestry

0 County Governments to promote a forestation and
agro-forestry through County Spatial Plans

0 Map out potential areas for commercial plantation
forestry

0 Delineate mangrove forest areas and formulate
regulations for sustainable utilization

0 Gazette, protect and rehabilitate degraded forests
through re-afforestation by replanting trees on
land that were previously forests.

0 Enforce legal and regulatory provisions for forest
management and protection.

0 Indigenous forests shall be identified and protected
from logging.

0 Involve and empower communities in the
management of forest ecosystems through
controlled logging, agro-forestry, re-forestation
and natural regeneration

0 Encourage development and implementation
of appropriate forestry-based Investment
programmes and projects.

Mountain Ecosystems
0 Generate and strengthen knowledge about the
ecology and sustainable management of mountain
ecosystems.

0 Develop and implement strategies and action
plans for sustainable management of mountain
ecosystems.

0 Promote integrated watershed management and
alternative livelihood opportunities to enhance
community participation and empowerment in
the conservation and management of mountain
ecosystems.

0 Adopt appropriate land use planning and
watershed management practices for sustainable
development of mountain ecosystems.

0 Ensure all water catchment areas are zoned and
managed as protected areas and free from excision.

0 Involve and empower communities in the
management of mountain ecosystems.

2. All environmentally fragile areas
shall be conserved and utilized in a
sustainable manner

ASALs
0 Develop and implement an Integrated Land Use
(Development) Plan for the ASALs.

0 Promote integrated natural resource management
in ASALs.

0 Ensure application of Integrated Water Resources
Management (IWRM) in ASALs.

0 • Promote efficient adaptation measures for
productive and sustainable resource management
in the ASALs.

0 Mainstream dryland issues into all national
development plans and policies.

0 Involve and empower communities in the
management of ASAL ecosystems and promote
environmental education and awareness

0 Gazette and manage emergency drought reserve
areas and encourage the development of buffer
areas of crop and forage production as part of
contingency planning.

0 Mainstream climate foresight and climate adaptation
into planning at all levels by strengthening the
climate resilience of communities in the ASALs and
promoting sustainable livelihoods

0 Explore opportunities and develop appropriate
mechanisms through which communities can
benefit from bio-carbon initiatives

0 Protect and increase forest cover, riverine
vegetation and critical water catchment areas in
the ASALs, including special ecosystems such as
Mountains of Marsabit and Kulal

3. All government agencies shall
integrate environmental concerns
in policy formulation, resource
planning and development
processes.

0 Waste Management and Pollution Control: This
will involve research, legislation, use of viable
technologies and enforcement of statutory
mechanisms for the disposal of human and
industrial waste, elimination of harmful emissions
including those from factories and motor vehicles.

0 Develop and maintain an inventory of all vital
habitats in the country, and create a biodiversity
information data base of all plant and animal
species, indicating their potential use.

0 Identify species which are rare and endangered
with the aim of protecting them from extinction
through the establishment , where necessary,
of more biosphere reserves, national parks and
reserves, botanical gardens, arboreta, and through
their propagation and captive breeding.

0 Encourage the participation of local communities in
conservation and management of the environment


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Map 4.7: Environmental Protection Areas

Source: Department of Physical Planning, 2016


138
by giving incentives for effective conservation of
the environment by local communities.

0 Jointly develop and implement harmonized
regional plans for sustainable management of
trans-boundary resources

0 Devise means to measure the value of unexploited
natural resources, especially biodiversity, in
economic terms.

0 Translate into practical conservation actions
the provisions of international conventions and
agreements relating to conservation of biodiversity
to which Kenya is a party.

0 Implement the National Action Plan (NAP)
to combat desertification and revitalize the
Desertification Trust Fund and National Drought
and Disaster Contingency Fund.

0 Implement the National Climate Change Strategy
and the National Climate Change Action plan.

0 Strengthen Environmental Governance and
harmonize sectoral policies, legislation and
regulations.

4. Community participation shall be
mainstreamed in the protection and
conservation of natural resources

0 Sensitize communities living around the natural
resources on the need for conservation of the
resources

0 Develop mechanisms for sharing benefits accruing
from the natural resources by the conservation
agencies in consultation with the local communities

0 Identify and map all disaster prone areas for
sustainable management.

5. National and County Physical
Planning departments shall
mainstream climate change into their
planning processes.

0 Build and strengthen research capacity on climate
change and related environmental issues.

0 Promote water conservation including reversal
of degradation of the main water towers and
rehabilitation and restoration of all water
catchments.

0 Promoting growing of drought tolerant traditional
high value crops.

0 Supporting sustainable livelihoods in drought
prone ASALs.

0 Develop and promote the use of green energy.

4.9 Integrating the National
Transportation Network

4.9.1 Overview

Kenya Vision 2030 aspires to firmly interconnect
the country through a network of roads, railways,
ports, airports, waterways, and telecommunications.
The National Transport Policy aims at achieving a
world-class integrated transport system responsive
to the needs of people and industry by developing,
operating and maintaining an efficient, cost effective,
safe, secure and integrated transport system that links
the transport policy with other sectoral policies.

The NSP acknowledges the importance of an
integrated transport network in actualizing Vision
2030 and in improving the overall economy of the
country. The policies in the national integrated
transport system seek to complement and facilitate
the realization of each objectives of the NSP to make
Kenya globally competitive.

The transport network in Kenya consists of; road, rail,
maritime and inland water, pipeline, and air transport
in rural and urban areas. Currently, the transport
network in Kenya lacks integration and faces several
challenges which include; imbalanced transport
infrastructural development, poor quality of transport
services, the rail infrastructure is old and dilapidated
and the port faces delays and low capacity in handling
cargo and inland water transport is underutilized;
encroachment and illegal land allocation along
transport corridors.

The sector has a number of opportunities including,
the continued improvement of airports, with JKIA
seeing the expansion of its terminals, Kisumu
International airport witnessing the extension of
its runway and both Mombasa and Eldoret airports
increasing their capacity to accommodate larger
planes and establishment of an Autonomous National
Aircraft Accident Investigation Agency will help boost
air travel as a whole. The recent discovery of oil and gas
reserves in the country and ongoing efforts to increase
intra-regional trade, through the strengthening of the
East Africa Community (EAC) regional trading bloc,
have attracted the attention of private investors and
international lenders, which is anticipated to trigger a
higher demand for efficient and sustainable transport
systems. Existing and proposed infrastructure
including the railway network, the road network,
the central railway station and the modernization
and expansion of the rail network along with the
establishment of strong institutional frameworks
all collectively offer a platform for improvement in


139
efficiency, safety and enhanced coordination of the
transport sector.

4.9.2 Policy Thrust

The NSP proposes an integrated national and urban
transport system that seeks to maximize efficiency
and sustainability of the transport sector (see Map 4.8).
It also envisions a balanced transport infrastructural
development through provision of the missing links
and improvement of the quality of transport services
to enhance regional balance in the country. This
will be achieved through provision of adequate and
appropriate interchanges to improve the modal split
and intermodal integration. In addition, elimination of
delays at the port and improvement of the capacity
to handle cargo and inland water transport will
be exploited. Further, the institutional framework
for transport infrastructure development and
operationalizing the Public Private Partnership (PPP)
legislation will be strengthened to encourage private
investment in public projects.

4.9.3 Policy Statements

1. National transport and Land use
planning shall be integrated.

0 Establish a hierarchy of transportation systems
comprising rail, road, water (lake and sea) and air
services to link all major economic production
areas in the country.

0 Establish a comprehensive road management
information system by the Ministry responsible for
Roads for reference and compliance by all transport
network providers.

0 Strengthen the National Transport and Safety
Authority to coordinate integration of the nation’s
public and private transportation systems and to
facilitate public transportation services in major
urban areas

0 Incorporate the needs of persons with disability in
all the planning, development and management of
the transport network

0 Repossess all illegally acquired land for transport
infrastructure

0 Plan urban based activities to support mass transit
systems and reduce the need for travel.

0 Use land use patterns to guide transport
investments to reduce travel time, increase
regional accessibility, and encourage NMIMT (Non-
Motorized and Intermediate Means of Transport)
travel and encourage social cohesion

0 Carry out traffic impact assessments for all land use

changes as part of development control as a tool of
land use planning in urban and rural areas. This will
be useful in fostering best practices of integrating
transport and land use planning.

0 Enhance the planning of trees, greenery and
mounds as buffer zones to roads, railways and
airports

2. An integrated and functional
transport system for the national and
urban areas shall be developed.

Air Transport
0 Modernize and expand JKIA to function as the
main international gateway and the regional hub
of east and central Africa

0 Modernize and expand Moi international airport
Mombasa to function as major hubs to complement
the port, serve tourism needs as well as industrial
and commercial needs of the coast region.

0 Modernize and expand Kisumu international
airport to function as a regional gateway to serve
the Great Lakes Region and complement the inland
port and as the major hub of the western region.

0 Modernize and expand Eldoret international airport
to support agricultural export and industrial needs
in the western and north rift region.

0 Develop the proposed Isiolo Airport to support
the tourism and livestock industrial activities in the
northern Kenya region.

0 Develop the proposed Lamu international airport
to support the proposed port commercial and
industrial activities of the northern and coastal
regions.

0 Expand Wilson, Malindi, Wajir and Lokichoggio
airports as well as Ukunda and Manda airstrips.

Water Transport
0 Modernize and expand Mombasa sea port for
international and national export and import
cargo.

0 Develop Lamu sea port to serve Southern Sudan
and Ethiopia.

0 Rehabilitate and modernize Kisumu inland port to
serve domestic needs and the exports and imports
in Uganda and Tanzania.

0 Develop other coastal sea ports of Vanga, old
Mombasa port, Shimoni, Kilifi and Malindi to serve
passenger travel, fishing industry, tourism, other
commercial activities and regional needs

0 Develop the inland ports of Homabay, Kendu
bay and Asembo bay to support passenger travel,


140
fishing industry, tourism and other commercial
activities

Rail Transport
0 Expand and develop the railway network as the
core mode of transportation in the country to
optimize on land use, limit pollution, reduce road
degradation, maximize on freight and passage
carriage and improve efficiency and facilitate the
trans-shipment of heavy and hazardous goods.

0 Link all major urban centres within the railway
corridor via modern railway network with the rail
stations acting as focal points for community and
transportation activities.

0 Link the priority routes for implementation of
the modern railway system of Mombasa- Nairobi
link, Nairobi-Malaba and Nakuru-Kisumu with
connectivity to Uganda and Rwanda

0 Develop the other priority routes of Lamu-Lodwar,
followed by Isiolo-Moyale and Namanga-Isiolo for
implementation of the modern railway system

Road Transport
0 Extend the national transportation corridors
consisting of road and rail to:

i) Connect the northern corridor to the LAPSSET
corridor, Namanga to Isiolo, Migori to Lokichar,
Lunga Lunga to Lamu, Lamu to Kiunga.

ii) Provide links between Marsabit and Lodwar,
Marsabit and Wajir.

0 Provide access and linkage, between county
headquarters; county headquarters and sub-
county headquarters and for local access and link
them to national transportation corridors.

0 Expand all roads connecting county headquarters
to at least 60m and developed to bitumen standard
(tarmac).

0 Expand all roads connecting county headquarters
to sub-county headquarters to at least 30m and
developed to bitumen standard.

0 Develop roads connecting infrastructure
installations of national importance and resource
areas to bitumen standard.

3. An efficient and affordable Mass
Public Transport for all urban areas in
the country shall be developed

0 Adopt transit oriented development in the
planning, design and development of all public
urban transport.

0 Integrate land use with urban transport planning

for all urban areas.

0 Design and develop integrated transport networks
that considers all different modes of transport.

0 Prioritize public transport while planning for urban
transportation and progressively promote a modal
split of 50:50

0 Undertake research on the optimal modal split for
various categories of urban centres

0 Develop an integrated mass rapid transit system
(Commuter rail service and bus rapid transit) for
Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu

0 Provide public transport system based on bus
rapid transport system for the principal towns of
Embu, Garissa, Nakuru, Isiolo Eldoret, Lodwar, Wajir,
Marsabit and Nyeri.

0 Designate, harmonize and regulate terminal,
interchange and pick-up and drop-off facilities
and digitize travel schedules and routes in all such
facilities

0 Construct bypasses and ring roads in main urban
centres to divert through traffic from the CBDs
(Central Business Districts);

0 Adopt the following bus traffic management
measures in planning and design of the public
transport system:

- Dedicated bus lanes

- Specified bus type, design, capacity and
speed

- Defined bus routes and time schedules

- Cashless fare system

- Designated bus lay bays

- Introduce bus trams for Nairobi

0 Configure urban based activities to support mass
transit systems and reduce the need for travel

0 Establish a comprehensive transport management
information system for all transport modes.

4. An urban transport policy that
facilitates an integrated, balanced
and environmentally sound urban
transport system in which all modes
efficiently play their roles shall be
developed

0 Develop a public transport policy to regulate
planning and management of public transport

0 Each county government to develop policies to
limit use of private transport and maximize on
public transport


141
Map 4.8: Integrated National Transportation System

Source: Department of Physical Planning, 2016


142
0 Develop a main public transport termini in all
metropolitan, major urban areas and county
headquarters to cater for all the various transport
modes, including NMIMTs(Non-Motorized and
Intermediate Means of Transport) to enhance
efficiency and connectivity between transport
modes

0 County governments, urban areas and cities
to provide a framework for development and
management of public service termini by the
private sector through public private participation

0 Restrict entry of private vehicles into the CBDs
(Central Business District) of cities and major urban
areas and construct park and ride terminal facilities
at designated entry points to absorb traffic into
public transport.

0 Plan, construct and manage designated terminal
facilities in the periphery of the urban areas to
accommodate parking spaces for the private
vehicles and interchange to the public transport
system

0 Plan and develop satellite towns to complement
and decongest major urban areas

0 Incorporate an integrated transport network in
county, city and urban development plans

0 Implement a 24-hour economy to distribute traffic
flows on urban roads, alter working shifts and save
on cost of travel time

0 County governments to identify, plan and control
developments in the satellite towns

0 Cities, County governments, and major towns to
identify, designate, close and regulate roads to be
used by hawkers to display their wares on chosen
days and times to decongest the CBDs (Central
Business District).

0 Designate, plan and regulate strategic areas for
taxis operation in all cities and urban areas to
enhance safety and order

5. Environmental conservation
shall be upheld in the planning,
development and management of
the transportation network

0 Construction and management of the transport
network to abide by environmental regulations
and standards.

0 The integrated transport master plan, regional,
county and local spatial plans to provide guidelines
to regulate environmental conservation in the
development and maintenance of the transport
network

0 All transport network providers to implement
international environmental legislation/
agreements e.g. the Clean Air Initiative resolutions
that commit African countries to adopt less
polluting fuels

0 Enforce emission testing in all transport modes and
set standards and guidelines for decommissioning
of vehicles.

0 Promote the use of green energy in all
transportation systems.

4.10 Providing Appropriate
Infrastructure

4.10.1 Overview

The level and quality of infrastructure in a country
is a reflection of its socio-economic development.
Kenya Vision 2030 desires for a country firmly serviced
through a network of water, energy, ICT, health,
education, sanitation, and telecommunications
facilities. To achieve this, the Vision lays emphasis
on the generation and distribution of more energy
at a lower cost and increase efficiency in energy
consumption; improving access and efficiency in water
and sanitation; providing globally competitive quality
education, training and research for sustainable
development and enhanced individual well-being;
providing an efficient and high quality healthcare
system; promoting sports development as a source of
employment for the youth and increasing investment
in expansion, access and development of ICT.

However, infrastructure has the benefits of provision
of services that are part of the consumption bundle
of residents; provision of impetus to urbanization;
supporting other industries; and improving the
quality of life. Thus, in order to stimulate growth and
reduce poverty, it is essential to improve the supply,
quality and affordability of infrastructure services.

The challenges facing the sector are; skewed
distribution and inaccessibility of infrastructural
facilities; high rate of urbanization and population
growth; loss of land for infrastructural development;
high cost of infrastructural services, inadequate
development and maintenance; mismanagement
of the infrastructure facilities; over reliance on
hydroelectric power; destruction and encroachment
of water sources; under exploited energy and water
potentials; poor ICT infrastructure, reliability, flexibility,
availability and integration; poor waste management;
frequent water shortages and unaccounted water loss
and poor quality of higher education.


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4.10.2 Policy Thrust

The NSP supports the development of a firmly
interconnected, efficient, reliable, adequate,
accessible, safe, sustainable and environmentally
friendly systems of infrastructure of high quality. To
achieve this NSP shall promote acceleration of ongoing
infrastructural developments, focusing on quality,
aesthetics and functionality of the infrastructure
services developed; support development of
infrastructure flagship projects to ensure contribution
to the economic growth and social equity and uphold
efficiency and effectiveness of the infrastructure
development process at all planning levels. In addition,
the NSP shall encourage the provision of a utility
sector (water, sewerage and electricity) that is modern,
customer-oriented and technologically-enabled
while protecting the environment as a national asset
and conserving it for the benefit of future generations
and the wider international community.

4.10.3 Policy Statements

1. Safe, adequate, reliable and
affordable electricity for both
urban and rural settlements shall be
provided.

0 Tap into solar for large scale production in northern
Kenya and other arid lands that have strong
reliable sunshine throughout the year for sale to
the national grid

0 Tap into 630 MW wind energy in areas with high
speed of Ngong, Isiolo, Marsabit, Lamu, Kinangop,
Laisamis, Samburu, Kipeto and Prunus.

0 • FastTrack construction of the 700 MW
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) factory at Dongo
Kundu

0 Provide safe connections for all informal settlements
in urban areas for safety. Policy models need to be
developed that aim to be pro-poor by increasing
sensitivity to low-income urban residents

0 Mainstream and enforce green energy options in
the design of buildings

0 Support the flagship projects that are geared
towards increasing electricity supply from both
renewable and non-renewable sources which
include: 250 MW (Diesel Plants); 24 MW (Hydropower
– Kindaruma and import from Ethiopia); 1,646MW
(Geothermal Resources: Orpower 4;at Olkaria I,II,IV
and V; Eburu geothermal project; new wellheads;
Menengai; and Silali-Bogoria Phase I); 1,920 MW
Coal include two coal plants of up to 1,000MW
each in Lamu and Kitui counties and natural gas
fired power plants of up to 1,050MW and 18 MW
co-generation

0 Increase access to electricity through upgrading
and expansion of the national power transmission
and distribution network.

2. Expansion and improvement of
water reticulation systems to
facilitate the access to clean, safe,
adequate, reliable and affordable
water in human settlements shall be
promoted

0 Construct and rehabilitate water supply systems in
the ASAL counties;

0 Incorporate water provision in all physical
development plans

0 Restore all the water towers. This shall entail
rehabilitation and protection of the Aberdares,
Cherangany, Mau, Mt. Kenya and Mt. Elgon. Other
smaller significant water towers and catchment
areas in the country such as the hills in Machakos
and Kitui, the Chyulu, Igembe, Manga, Maragoli,
Ngong, Shimba and Taita Hills, and Mt. Kulal,
Marsabit, Ndoto, Nyiru and Shella Dunes of Lamu,
and oases in the arid areas such as Loiyangalani in
Marsabit shall be rehabilitated

0 Construct two multipurpose dams in Nzoia and
Nyando; development of national rainwater
harvesting strategy and water storage investment
plans for all the villages and urban centres; and
revision of building by-laws to require all new
development to have rain water harvesting.

0 Improve water supplies in the major urban towns
of Nairobi, Mombasa Kisumu, Nakuru and their
surrounding satellite towns.

0 Expand water supply in the proposed resort
cities of Isiolo and Lodwar; expand water supply
for the new port at Lamu under Lamu Port
Southern Sudan and Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET)
corridor; and expand water supply in 15 medium
sized towns (Chuka, Maua, Chogoria, Homabay,
Runyenjes, Murang’a, Naivasha, Narok, Ol kalao,
Maralal, Moyale, Machakos, Wote, Kitui, Mavoko,
Matuu, Wajir, Lamu, Hola, Moi’s Bridge, Matunda,
Malava, Nyahururu, Kajiado, Kirinyaga, Marsabit
and Nanyuki).

0 Construct and rehabilitate 150 rural water schemes
annually, drill an average of 70 boreholes annually
in areas lacking adequate surface water and
construct 160 small dams/pans in ASALs.

0 Build water kiosks and yard taps, develop water
supply pipeline systems and sewers, and a
comprehensive mapping of all water supplies
systems in the informal settlements


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3. A globally competitive, accessible

and affordable higher education,
training and research facilities shall
be promoted

0 All universities and other tertiary institutions to
invest in research, technology & innovation

0 Expand access and equity, improve quality and
relevance and invest in human resource by
enhancing institutionalization of excellence and
increasing the level of research funding.

0 Restructure higher education institutions to offer
courses based on regional endowment to promote
competitiveness and regional balance

0 Mainstream ICT in higher education and training to
provide online content to increase access.

0 Develop and upgrade physical infrastructure in
all higher education institutions to increase their
capacity.

0 Promote the delivery of University education and
training system that is internationally competitive.

4. A network of functional, efficient,
safe, accessible and sustainable
national health referral infrastructure
shall be established.

0 Increase the utilization of services at lower levels of
the health services and reduce self-referral to the
higher levels of care;

0 Develop the service provider’s capacity to offer
services and appropriately refer at each level of the
healthcare system;

0 Improve the system’s ability to transfer clients and
specimens between the different levels of the
health care system;

0 Improve reverse referral and feedback information
systems;

0 Improve preparedness and response to
emergencies and disasters;

0 Strengthen outreach systems for provision of
health services to marginalized and vulnerable
population;

0 Provision of quality emergency health services at
the point of need;

0 Establish fully fledged low – cost diagnostic centres
and provide adequate screening and treatment
facilities for persons with chronic or terminal
conditions, including cancer, diabetes and kidney
failure in every county

0 Modernize Kenyatta National Hospital through
the implementation of the ICT master plan,
constructing and equipping a fully-fledged 300
bed private wing, 2,000 accommodation units and
conference facilities for health tourism.

0 Modernize Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital
by developing a Heart and Cancer Management
Centre, constructing a children hospital and
modernization of infrastructure and hospital
equipment.

5. Appropriate, quality, efficient and
cost effective ICT infrastructure in
both rural and urban areas shall be
promoted

0 Integrate e-youth ICT platforms. The sub-sector will
establish a youth portal to enhance information
access by the youth

0 Develop and upgrade ICT Infrastructure in all
counties

0 Extend ICT infrastructure to cover all the rural and
local growth centres.

0 Mainstream use of ICT in all levels of government
and the private sector (e-government).

6. The expansion of sewerage systems
and waste management facilities
shall be promoted to improve
sanitation in human settlements

0 • Service all urban settlements by a centralized
sewerage treatment system and solid waste
disposal facilities.

0 Expand the sewerage coverage and capacity for
the major urban areas of Nairobi, Mombasa and
Kisumu.

0 Expand sanitation in the proposed resort cities
of Isiolo and Lodwar (LAPSSET) corridor; and in
15 medium sized towns (Chuka, Maua, Chogoria,
Homabay, Runyenjes, Murang’a, Naivasha, Narok,
Ol Kalao, Maralal, Moyale, Machakos, Wote, Kitui,
Mavoko, Matuu, Wajir, Lamu, Hola, Moi’s Bridge,
Matunda, Malava, Nyahururu, Kajiado, Kirinyaga,
Marsabit and Nanyuki).

0 Based on initiatives by Kenya Informal Settlement
Improvement Project (KISIP) Informal settlements
need to be provided with basic infrastructure
services in order to improve the quality of life of
low-income urban residents

0 Apply appropriate technology solutions to
sewerage treatment in rural and low density
housing areas.


145
0 All spatial plans to make provision for development
of sewer systems and treatment works and solid
waste disposal sites.

0 Expansion of urban boundaries to be guided by
investment in infrastructural services.

0 Enactment of laws at National and County levels
to incorporate private public partnerships in
infrastructure investments.

0 Adopt appropriate technology to facilitate
reduction, recycle and reuse of waste (3R’s).

0 Undertake rehabilitation of storm water drainage
systems in all urban areas.

0 Construct waste water treatment plants and solid
waste management projects in well-established
permanent settlements in the arid region.

7. Sporting infrastructure shall be
planned, developed, maintained and
the existing rehabilitated to promote
sports development.

0 Set up an International Academy of Sports at Moi
International Sports Centre Kasarani to serve as an
international centre for excellence in sports

0 Establish County Sports Talent Centers to act as
feeds to the international centre to scout, nurture
and develop sports talents at the sub-national
levels.

0 Build at least one national stadium in the towns of
Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret and Garissa

0 Rehabilitate all the 47 county stadia to international
standards to enable the youth to actively develop
and tap the immense talent in sports will be
undertaken.

0 Upscale the establishment of ‘Kenya Houses” in
international sports competitions specifically
Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, all Africa
Games and world championships.

4.11 Towards a Rapidly
Industrializing Nation

4.11.1 Overview

Vision 2030 aims to transform Kenya into “an
industrializing, middle-income country, providing
a high quality life to all its citizens by the year 2030”.
It proposes intensified application of Science,
Technology and Innovation to raise productivity and
efficiency levels across the three pillars. It recognizes
the critical role played by research and development

(R&D) in accelerating economic development in the
entire newly industrializing countries of the world.
More resources will be devoted to scientific research,
technical capabilities of the workforce, and in raising
the quality of teaching mathematics, science and
technology in schools, polytechnics and universities.

The Second Medium Term Plan raises focus on an
export-led growth strategy through the establishment
of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), industrial clusters
and SME parks. In addition, it also supports growth
in the mining industry by creating an enabling policy,
legal, and institutional framework for investment and
maximization of benefits from exploitation of Kenya’s
natural resources especially oil, natural gas, coal, and
other minerals. The construction and building sector
shall benefit from continued infrastructure spending
with expansion of roads, ports, rail and power plants.
The country will also continue to aggressively exploit
market opportunities through regional integration,
and exploit export opportunities in African states
outside the East African Community (EAC), Common
Markets for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
and in the global market.

The sector has been inward-looking with limited
technological progress and reflects past import-
substitution and export-led policy orientations. The
factors that have contributed to the high cost of
doing business include; the poor state of physical
infrastructure, limited access to finance, limited
research and development, poor institutional
framework, and inadequate managerial, technical
and entrepreneurial skills. The high cost of doing
business has also contributed to the limited local and
Foreign Direct investment (FDI) in the country and
the high outflow of investment to the neighboring
countries. Other challenges include: lack of industrial
land; limited market access due to non-compliance
to international standards and non-tariff barriers;
inadequate, unstable and costly supply of energy;
global recession and climate change.

4.11.2 Policy Thrust

Potential for industrial development is spread
throughout the country. Therefore, the NSP proposes
a framework that aims to distribute industries
according to the country’s different potentials to serve
the far flung markets, to build potential and to steer
the country’s economic growth (see Map 4.9). This will
be achieved through: provision of requisite physical
infrastructure, adequate, reliable and affordable
energy supply; technological innovations; provision
of land for industrial development; improving the
quality of industrial products through value addition;
strengthen local production capacity to increase


146
domestically-manufactured goods and thereby
generate sufficient employment opportunities and
foster Kenya’s integration into the global economy.

4.11.3 Policy Statements

1. The cluster development strategy
shall be promoted to focus on
proximity to raw materials and
markets of region specific products

0 Concentrate urban-based industries in the urban
areas of Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nyeri, Embu,
Meru, Kakamega, Garissa, Marsabit, Mandera, Kitui,
Mandera, Voi

0 Locate agro-based industries in agro climatic zones
I, II and III

0 Mineral-based industries to be located in-situ
where the minerals are found

0 Locate cottage industries and crafts in-situ

0 Concentrate livestock produce industries in the
ASAL areas of Isiolo, Garissa. Moyale, Mandera,
Taita Taveta, Tana River, Narok, Kajiado, Kwale, Kilifi,
Samburu, Turkana and West Pokot

0 Promote value addition in processing of local
produce.

2. Specific sites for industrial
development shall be identified,
planned and serviced with the
appropriate infrastructure

0 Plan and set aside land for industrial development
in every county

0 Establish Special Economic Zones in Mombasa,
Lamu and Kisumu

0 Develop SME and Industrial Parks in all counties

0 Integrate the industrialization process and
environment conservation

0 Provide an integrated, efficient, reliable and
sustainable road transport infrastructure

0 Provide efficient railway network for bulk haulages

0 Provide efficient airport facilities to facilitate quick
delivery of produce and perishable products

0 Modernize the port of Mombasa and develop
additional sea port at Lamu

0 Increase availability of clean water and improve
sanitation

0 Discharge of safe/ clean industrial waste into water
bodies shall be encouraged

0 Encourage adoption and utilization of ICT in
every county in order to enhance the country’s
transformation towards an advanced Information
Society

3. Adequate and affordable energy
supply for the industrial sector shall
be provided

0 Provide reliable energy infrastructure by extending
the national grid network

0 Expand, modernize and upgrade electricity
generation and supply

0 Adopt renewable energy generation programmes
by provision of incentives and enforcement of
building laws requiring utilization of renewable
energy

0 Incentivize large industries to promote
co-generation of power

0 Promote the adoption of energy efficient
technologies to lower the demand for energy


147
Map 4.9: National Industrial Potential Assessment

Source: Department of Physical Planning, 2016


148


149

CHAPTER V:
IMPLEMENTATION
FRAMEWORK


LAPSSET/Lamu Power Station


151
5.1 Overview

P
lan implementation in the context of NSP refers
to the method/means by which the plan will be
actualized and executed in order to achieve the

desired end state.

It constitutes a deliberately established method,
means or system of ensuring that the measures
outlined in the plan are continuously and consistently
executed in order to achieve the objectives of the plan
within a predetermined timeframe.

The implementation mechanism is a comprehensive
outline that defines the purpose and objectives, scope
and goals, resources required, scheduled activities and
their durations, expected challenges and measures to
be put in place to mitigate the constraints.

5.2 Rationale for Plan
Implementation

The implementation of the National Spatial Plan will
be a key step towards optimal use of the national
space, making the country globally competitive and
prosperous as envisaged under Kenya Vision 2030. It
will provide a coordinating framework for the sectors
to operate.

The purpose of the implementation mechanism is to
provide a guide on the implementation of the National
Spatial Plan to ensure the achievement of its objectives
of global competitiveness and economic efficiency,
optimal use of land and natural resources, creation of
functional and livable urban areas, balancing regional
development, establishing an integrated national
transport network and conservation of the natural
environment are achieved.

The implementation framework identifies activities
associated with the implementation of the plan to
ensure adequate preparation has taken place and
sufficient contingencies are in place and further ties
the activities with responsible actors, resources and
timeframes adequate for their execution.

It is expected that NSP will influence the spatial
aspects of public sector planning, policies and
programs, including future decisions on investment
priorities. In addition, the mechanism establishes the
institutional framework for implementation of the
plan and defines how the institutions involved will be
coordinated.

In the absence of an implementation mechanism the
preparation of the NSP may end up being an exercise
in futility. Planning without action is fruitless, whereas
action without planning is aimless.

Objectives
The implementation framework aims to achieve the
principle/broad objectives of NSP namely:-

1) To create a spatial planning context to enhance
economic efficiency and strengthen global
competitiveness;

2) To promote balanced regional development for
national integration and cohesion;

3) To optimize utilization of land and natural
resources for sustainable development;

4) To create livable and functional human settlements;

5) To secure the natural environment for high quality
of life;

6) To establish an integrated national transportation
network and infrastructure system;

7) Specific sectoral objectives of NSP relating to
coordination of sectors such as :

i. Urban development

ii. Agriculture

iii. Tourism

iv. Industry

v. Environment

vi. Transport and infrastructure

8) To address national challenges of food insecurity,
urbanization, environmental degradation among
others; and

9) To support the national development objectives
espoused in Vision 2030 relating to transforming
the country into a newly industrialized status and
improving the livelihoods of the citizens.

5.3 Key Challenges in
Implementation of Plans

In the past many spatial plans/frameworks have been
prepared including the Human Settlements Strategy,
Provincial and District Regional Development Plans
and a range of other local physical development
plans. However, a review of the implementation status
of the plans indicates that none of the plans were
implemented in its entirety and only a few aspects of
the plans were implemented.


152
There have been varied explanations for this state
of affairs which include but are not limited to the
following:-

i. Weak institutional structures to execute the
implementation of plans in their entirety;

ii. A disconnect between planning and sound
implementation mechanisms manifested
through constraints like little budgetary support
for implementation of plans;

iii. Little involvement of the private sector and
the Kenyan society in general in planning and
implementation hence loss of the capital and
skills they are capable of contributing towards the
same;

iv. Failure to connect spatial planning and economic
planning initiatives;

v. Inadequate research on issues pertinent to
planning including plan implementation,
prioritization and resource availability;

vi. Inadequate collaborative public participation
and consultation in plan preparation and
implementation Which led to misuse of resources
on plans not considered to be a priority by the
intended beneficiaries;

vii. Un-harmonized operational legislations and
policies that has led to conflicting and duplication
of roles

viii. A comparatively low profile accorded to spatial
planning as a profession and a development-
oriented practice. Much emphasis was laid on
economic planning without focus on the spatial
dimensions of these plans; and

ix. Insufficient Monitoring and Evaluation provisions.

x. Weak and inadequate adherence to planning
and environmental laws by the public leading to
unplanned urban and rural human settlements

In order to effectively implement these plans, these
issues have to be addressed. The various sectors and
levels of planning have to be willing to work together.
The mandate of the sectors at the National and
County levels of planning have to be integrated and
work jointly and the review of Medium Term Plans
and the National Spatial Plans has to be carried out
simultaneously. Likewise, plan preparation processes
have to be linked with provision of financial and other
resources required to enable effective implementation
of these plans.

5.4 Opportunities for NSP
Implementation

Kenya has seen a number of changes in its approach
to planning which present a huge opportunity for the
full implementation of the NSP. These changes largely
arise from the promulgation of the new constitution
which brought with it the devolved system of
governance. Nevertheless, there are several other
elements that could be exploited as opportunities for
implementation of the NSP:

i. The implementation of the devolved system of
governance which decentralized the powers
to prepare plans and implement them. This
comes with the advantage of preparing and
implementing plans which resonate with the
direct needs of the people;

ii. Devolved funding which ensures that all regions
of the country can benefit from planning
initiatives;

iii. The presence of a willing human capital motivated
to improve their lives. This enriches the aspect of
participatory planning and implementation;

iv. A number of legal frameworks that support
economy-targeted spatial plans have been
passed;

v. More comprehensive definition of land,
spatial planning and its role in overall national
development; and

vi. Increasing globalization which has opened up
Kenya to numerous world opportunities which it
can take advantage of through careful planning

Linkages with other Sector Policies and
Institutions
The crafting of NSP was done in full consideration
and reference to other existing sector policies.
Consultations were continuously held between the
planning team and experts from relevant sectors.

The importance of various sectoral agencies in
implementing the NSP is emphasized and to uphold
the linkages the following actions should be taken:-

i. Consideration and inclusion of NSP policies and
measures in sector policies, plans, projects and
programs.

ii. Inclusion of experts from sectors

iii. Consultations and collaboration with sectors in
preparation and review of plans at various levels.


153
5.5 Approaches of
Implementing NSP

The proposals in the NSP will be implemented through
various approaches which include:

i. Preparation of spatial plans to integrate and
conform to the proposals of the National Spatial
Plan. These plans include:

• Regional Physical Development Plans
for Metropolitan regions, conservation
zones, river basins, water towers, coastal
ecosystems, trans-boundary resource areas
and transport corridors

• County Spatial Plans

• Cities, Urban plans, special function town
plans and detailed neighbourhood plans

• County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs)

ii. Assimilation of NSP policies to the sector
plans, projects and programmes. Ministries,
Departments and Agencies (MDAs) identified in
the plan to administer the policies and measures
are required to translate them into action plans,
programmes and projects and to include them
in their subsequent sector plans. These sectors
include:

• Government ministries and departments

• Government agencies

• Research and Training Institutions including
Regional Development Authorities

• Private sector

iii. Incorporation into the five year Medium Term
Plan (MTPs)

iv. Formulation of policies, regulations and standards
to guide development control

5.6 Time Frame for
Implementation of Key Actions

The implementation of the National Spatial Plan will
be undertaken in phases and therefore calls for proper
prioritization of activities. The main action areas for
implementation include the following:-

A. Preparation of Plans

Table 5.1: Time Frame for Plan Implementation

Type of Plan
Time Frame
(Years)

1. National Physical Development Plan 30

2. Regional Physical Development Plans 20

3. County Physical Development Plans 10

4. Local Physical Development Plans 5

5. Special Areas’ Plans 5

Source: National Physical Planning Department, 2015

B. Formulation of policies, regulations and standards
for development control

C. Sectoral actions

5.7 Institutional Framework
for Implementation of the NSP

The implementation of NSP will be undertaken by
a multiplicity of actors and hence the need for a
coordinated approach (see Figure 5.1 and Table 5.2).
The lead agency will be the Ministry concerned with
Physical Planning with the Cabinet Secretary leading
the strategy’s implementation. The National Director
of Physical Planning will exercise technical leadership
and ensure that physical planning is coordinated
between the other agencies and ministries involved
in physical planning.

Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs)
identified in the plan to administer the policies and
measures are required to translate them into action
plans, programmes and projects and to include them
in their subsequent sector plans.

The County governments will be responsible for
implementing various initiatives proposed by the
NSP within their territory. They will budget for
establishment of function county planning units as
well as preparation and implementation of physical
development plans.

Partnerships between national and county
governments and the private sector should be
established to facilitate planning of identified regions
and towns of national importance including resort
cities, techno cities, special economic zones and other
special feature towns. They must arrange for the
timely preparation and implementation of regional
guidelines, development plans and integrated spatial
planning frameworks that are consistent with the NSP.


154
The NSP has implications for the general public
particularly with reference to optimization of land.
An extensive public sensitization and awareness
programme shall be developed to ensure that the
public is sensitized on the requirements of NSP. The
institutions responsible for NSP implementation
include:

1. National Physical Planning Council
A National Physical Planning Council shall be
established, chaired by the President of the Republic
of Kenya. It shall be responsible for coordination and
implementation of the National Spatial Plan through
an Inter-ministerial Committee, whose composition
shall consist of Cabinet Secretaries of relevant
ministries, including those responsible for Economic
Planning, Devolution, Agriculture, Industrialization,
Tourism, Environment, Transport and Infrastructure.
In addition, it will consist of representation of state
agencies and Governors from all the Counties.

The functions of the National Physical Planning
Council shall include:

0 To promote effective integration between physical,
economic and sectoral planning within the
framework of national and county development
policies.

0 To provide policy guidance for the implementation
of strategic spatial projects of national importance
relating to security, trans-boundary development,
environment and geopolitical interests.

0 To ensure that the NSP policies and measures are
mainstreamed in the sector policies and plans of
respective sectors

0 To mobilize resources for implementation of the
Plan

2. National Technical Committee
It shall consist of the National Director of Physical
Planning, County Directors of Physical Planning as well
as Directors from the various relevant departments.
The Technical Committee shall provide technical
support to the various implementing agencies and
departments on issues relating to physical planning.

0 The National Director of Physical Planning
shall exercise technical leadership and ensure
coordination between the other agencies and
ministries involved in physical planning.

0 To monitor the implementation of the National
Spatial Plan

0 To disseminate components of the National Spatial
Plan to the sectors and County Governments

0 Update the Cabinet on a regular basis on the
implementation status of NSP

3. County Physical Planning Committee
The role of the County Planning committee shall
be to ensure aspirations of the NSP are articulated
in preparation of the County Spatial Plans, County
Integrated Development Plans and Local Physical
Development Plans. The composition of this
committee shall consist of the Governor who will
be the Chairperson , the Deputy Governor, the
County Executive Committee Members from various
sectors and Directors from various relevant County
Departments including Lands and Physical Planning,
Economic planning, Agriculture, Industrialization,
Tourism, Environment, Transport and Infrastructure.
The County Director of Physical Planning shall be
responsible for preparation of an annual state of
planning report which shall among other things
appraise the status of implementation of the NSP at
the County Level.

4. Ministries, Departments and
Agencies (MDA’s)

NSP policies shall be embedded in the sectoral
policies and shall guide the preparation of sector
programmes, projects and plans.

5. National Land Commission
The National Land Commission shall play its
oversight role in land use planning to ensure efficient
implementation of the NSP. Other functions of the
Commission in the implementation of the NSP include
the following:-

0 To formulate mechanisms and parameters for
monitoring and overseeing land use planning

0 To ensure that relevant planning authorities carry
out their functions as required by law

0 To make recommendations for improvements of
the planning systems in the country

0 To mobilize resources to support physical/land use
planning

5.8 Resource Mobilization

All the implementing agencies including sectors, Line
Ministries, Departments, Counties, non-state actors
among others will budget for the implementation of
NSP in their various plans, projects and programmes.


155
Figure 5.1: Integrated NSP implementation Organizational Structure

Source: National Department of Physical Planning, 2016

Kenya Vision 2030
Overarching Policy

MTP

CIDP

NSP

Regional Plans

CSP

Local Plans

Sectoral Plans

Sectoral
Plans/Policies

National Physical
Planning Council

National Technical
Committee

County Physical
Planning Committee

C
O

U
N

TY
L

EV
EL

N
A

TI
O

N
A

L
LE

V
EL

National Planning
System

Proposed Co-ordination
Framework

5.9 Training and Capacity
Building

Training and capacity building shall be undertaken
to build capacity of sectoral players, national and
county level institutions that will be involved in the
implementation of the strategies and policies outlined
in NSP. Special attention will be given to the capacity
development of the physical planning units within
the county governments as they will be expected to
provide technical expertise in the implementation of
the spatial planning policies.

Action Areas
i. Establishment of an inter-agency committee

on National Spatial Planning to spearhead the
implementation of NSP

ii. The National Department of Physical Planning
will establish a Technical Committee representing
Directors of all relevant departments to support
the implementation of the Plan.

iii. The National Department of Physical Planning will
develop a communication strategy to facilitate
smooth flow and access of information to other
departments, agencies and the private sector.

iv. Articulating NSP policies in the programmes of
all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies
(MDAs)

v. Preparation of Regional, County and Local
Physical Development Plans

vi. The National Department of Physical Planning will
co-ordinate and pursue the cross-border spatial
aspects by coordinating preparation of regional
development plans.

vii. Preparation of policies, regulations and standards
to facilitate development control

viii. Capacity building of the counties to enable them
anchor the county physical plans on the NSP
planning policies

ix. NSP will be used to inform the subsequent
Medium Term Plans

x. Resource mobilization to support implementation
of the Plan


156
5.10 Communication

5.10.1 Sensitization and awareness creation

Continuous sensitization and awareness creation
of NSP amongst the key actors and interest groups
such as MDAs, county governments, non-state actors,
development partners, and the public among others
will be undertaken to:

1. Ensure integration of various policies into sectoral
and county government policies and plans as
detailed in NSP

2. Inform the public on land use issues and best
practices as identified in the NSP

3. Provide insights to development partners and other
non-state actors on opportunities for investments
and partnerships in the implementation of NSP

5.10.2 Communication Strategy

A communication strategy to promote support
for the NSP, provide information on progress in its
implementation and promote participation by public
bodies, private sector, interest groups and the general
public in achieving the objectives of the NSP will be
developed and implemented by the National Physical
Planning Department.

5.11 Monitoring and Evaluation

Implementation of NSP will be monitored and evaluated
to measure both outputs and outcomes of the Plan
and ensure that the intended actions are implemented
in a timely manner to facilitate attainment of the Plan
objectives. Performance indicators will be developed
by the National Physical Planning Department to
facilitate monitoring of the Plan. Periodic reports to
Government will be prepared in relation to progress
being made in the implementation of NSP.

5.12 Plan Review

The National Spatial Plan will be implemented in a very
dynamic environment. There may also be uncertainties
and unforeseen circumstances which the Plan may
not have anticipated and which may make it difficult
to implement. The NSP will therefore be subjected to
periodic reviews which will allow for flexibility.

The Plan will be reviewed every ten years.


157
Table 5.2: Implementation Matrix

POLICY INITIATIVE ACTORS TIME FRAME

The National Spatial Plan shall be the
basis for the preparation of other
spatial plans to achieve integrated
and sustainable land use planning
and to promote harmony and mutual
cooperation in planning of the country.

The National Government shall
prepare – Regional Plans for
corridors, River basins, special areas
(resort cities, industrial parks) and
trans-boundary areas

The County Governments shall
prepare county and local plans

• National Government
Ministries, Departments
and Agencies (MDA)

• County Governments

1- 3 years

Selective concentration concept shall be
adopted for the location of urban based
economic activities across the country
to take advantage of the primate city of
Nairobi & other urban areas of Mombasa
and Kisumu specifically and other main
urban areas generally

Urban-based activities such as:

Industrial enterprises

Privatized educational and training
institutions

Techno cities and main
infrastructure facilities, to be located
in strategic urban areas

• National Government
Ministries and

• County Governments and
Agencies

5 years

The major urban areas shall be planned
and provided with appropriate
infrastructure to enhance efficiency and
quality of life.

Provide quality and affordable
housing, efficient public
transportation, improve
neighborhood characteristics,
conserve and improve the quality of
the environment, quality healthcare,
trunk infrastructure in the form of
reliable energy, water, sanitation
and ICT.

• National Government
Ministries and

• County Governments and
Agencies

10-15years

Land and natural resources of the
less developed areas shall be utilized
optimally and sustainably to enhance
national competitiveness

Harness green energy and
exploit mineral resources while
strengthening rural economic
activities through transforming
traditional means to modern
practices

1. Ministries responsible for;

• Land and Physical
Planning

• Housing and Urban
Development

• Environment and Natural
Resources

• Energy and Petroleum

• Mining

• Agriculture, Livestock and
Fisheries

2. County Governments

Continuous

The Blue Economy shall be developed,
promoted and integrated into the
economy of the Country

Develop the requisite infrastructure,
human capacity for development
of the Blue Economy; prepare a
development plan to guide the
exploitation of the marine resources;
formulate and implement laws,
regulations and agreements that
govern a sustainable Blue Economy

1. Ministries responsible for;

• Land and Physical
Planning

• Environment and Natural
Resources

• Energy and Petroleum

• Marine and Fisheries

2. County Governments

Continuous

The efficiency of the transportation
network shall be enhanced to take
advantage of the strategic location and
position of the country.

Develop a new port in Lamu,
upgrade the existing port of
Mombasa , upgrade the existing
support infrastructure and prepare
spatial plans for main transport
corridors for sustainable economic
growth

• Ministries Responsible for:

• Transport and
Infrastructure

• Land and Physical
Planning,

• Housing and Urban
Development

• Kenya Ports Authority

10 years


158
POLICY INITIATIVE ACTORS TIME FRAME

The National Spatial Plan encourages
enhanced cooperation in spatial and
economic planning with member states
of East African Community (EAC) and
Common Markets of East and Southern
Africa (COMESA)

Jointly Plan trans-boundary
resources, transport corridors,
infrastructure and border urban
areas.

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Lands and Physical
Planning

2. County Governments

3. Regional planning
authorities

5-10 years

Agro climatic zones IV, V and VI shall
be developed and used optimally for
large scale commercial production
of livestock to support downstream
processing of livestock products
and promote balanced regional
development

Prepare County Spatial Plans in
the areas for large scale livestock
production

Provide requisite infrastructure.

Modernize livestock keeping

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Lands and Physical
Planning

• Agriculture and livestock

2. County Governments

5-10 years

Grain basket areas shall be prioritized
and protected to ensure food security

Zone and designate grain basket
areas

Direct urban development and
provide appropriate infrastructure

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Lands and Physical
Planning

• Transport and
infrastructure

2. County Governments

5 years

5-10 years

The agricultural use of land in high
potential area shall be intensified to
increase productivity

Adopt modern agricultural methods • Ministry responsible for:

• Agriculture

• ICT

Continuous

The fishing potential of the country shall
be optimized to increase the food stock
and export earnings

Protect inland fishing resources and
enhance sustainable exploitation of
sea fishing

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Fisheries

2. County Governments

10 years

The NSP shall promote diversification of
tourism by offering diverse products in
the different tourist circuits throughout
the country.

Plan and develop all the tourism
circuits.

Identify and prioritize potential
touristic projects in consultation
with the local communities.

Improve infrastructure that supports
tourism.

Prepare a tourism development
master plan which will focus
on tourism zoning, product
development and quality standard
of tourism services.

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Tourism

• Transport and
infrastructure

• Lands and Physical
Planning

2. County Governments

5-10 years

Appropriate Infrastructure shall be
provided and facilities upgraded

Upgrade the existing infrastructure

Provide and upgrade the ICT
infrastructure

1. Ministry responsible for:

• ICT

• Tourism

• Infrastructure

• Energy

• Water and Sanitation

2. County Governments

5-10 years

Tourist attraction areas and sites shall be
conserved and protected

Protect wildlife migratory corridors
and dispersal areas

Zone tourist attraction areas

Protect wildlife watering points

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Environment

• Tourism

• Lands and Physical
Planning

2. County Governments

5-10 years

Appropriate Transport infrastructure
shall be provided to link the different
tourist circuits, attraction areas and sites

Prepare an integrated tourism
transportation master plan

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Tourism

• Infrastructure

• Lands and Physical
Planning

2. County Governments

5 years


159
POLICY INITIATIVE ACTORS TIME FRAME

The governance of the tourism sector
shall be enhanced.

Identify and map potential eco-
tourism development sites

Undertake research to identify more
tourist attraction areas

1. Ministry responsible for:

Tourism

2. County Governments

5 years

Spatial Development plans shall be
prepared to guide implementation of
the flagship projects

Prepare physical development
Plans for Lamu, Isiolo and Lake
Turkana Resort Cities, Coastal Beach
Ecosystem Management plan, Mara
Ecosystem area plan, Eden Cradle
of Humankind project plan, three
cultural heritage sites of Fort Jesus in
Mombasa, Lamu old town and the
sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests and
the three Natural heritage sites of
Great Rift Valley lakes

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Lands and Physical
Planning

• Tourism, Culture, Heritage

• ICT

• Transport and
infrastructure

• Energy

2. County Governments

5-10 years

The expected increase in population
in urban areas shall be anticipated and
accommodated particularly for the main
growth areas.

Plan and designate land for housing
and residential neighbourhoods in
general

Upgrade the existing and provide
additional infrastructure and
facilities

Provide efficient transportation

Provide policies, guidelines and
regulations for detailed planning of
all land uses, neighbourhoods and
urban centres

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Lands and Physical
Planning

• Housing

• Transport

• ICT

• Health

• Energy

• Education

• Water and sanitation

2. County Governments

5-10 years

The Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu
growth areas shall be supported to
enhance global competitiveness.

Plan and control development in the
urban growth areas

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Lands and Physical
Planning

2. County Governments

5-10 years

Alternative urban areas shall be
developed and supported to promote
balanced regional development and
spur growth

Plan and develop principal towns 1. Ministry responsible for:

• Lands and Physical
Planning

2. County Governments

5-10 years

Rural growth centres shall be
rationalized and supported to act as
central places and settlements clustered
to free the rich agricultural land

Plan for and provide agriculture
related infrastructure

Conserve agricultural land

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Lands and Physical
Planning

• Infrastructure

• Agriculture

2. County Governments

10-20 years

Human settlements shall be developed
in line with environmental and natural
resources conservation to improve living
conditions

Prepare and implement zoning
guidelines for environmental and
natural resource conservation

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Environment

• Infrastructure

• Lands and Physical
Planning

2. County Governments

5 years

The NSP shall advocate for the provision
of an efficient, reliable and effective
transport system for human settlement

Plan and develop an appropriate
integrated urban transport system
for all urban areas

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Infrastructure

• Lands and Physical
Planning

2. County governments

5-10 years

The management and governance of
Human Settlements particularly the
urban areas shall be improved.

Establish institutions and structures
to manage human settlements

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Housing

2. County Governments

3-5 years


160
POLICY INITIATIVE ACTORS TIME FRAME

All environmentally sensitive areas
shall be protected and utilized in a
sustainable manner

Prepare integrated wetland
resource, marine resource, forest
resource and Mountain Ecosystems
management plans

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Environment

• Lands and Physical
Planning

2. County Governments

3-5 years

All environmentally fragile areas shall be
conserved and utilized in a sustainable
manner

Develop and implement an
Integrated Land Use Master
(Development) Plan for the ASALs.

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Environment

• Lands and Physical
Planning

2. County Governments

5-10 years

All Government agencies shall integrate
environmental concerns in policy
formulation, resource planning and
development processes.

Integrate Waste Management and
Pollution Control in all policies

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Environment

• Lands and Physical
Planning

2. County Governments

3-5 years

The National Spatial Plan supports
the mainstreaming of climate change
into the national and county planning
processes.

Mainstream climate change,
water management, green energy
generation and agriculture into
the national and county planning
processes

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Energy

• Environment

• Water

• Lands and Physical
Planning

2. County Governments

Continuous

An integration of national transport and
Land use planning shall be adopted.

Establish a comprehensive National
Transport Management Information
System

Regulate and control the use of
land reserved for transportation
infrastructure

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Infrastructure and
transport

• Lands and Physical
Planning

• ICT

2. County Governments

5 years

The NSP shall support the development
of an integrated and functional
transport system for the Urban and
Rural areas.

Prepare a National Transportation
Master Plan that incorporates road,
rail, sea, air and pipeline transport.

Upgrade existing transportation
infrastructure

Acquisition of land for development
of the transport corridors

Develop Lamu and Isiolo Airports,
Lamu sea port and LAPSSET corridor

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Infrastructure and
transport

• Lands and Physical
Planning

2. County Governments

3-5 years

Continuous

12 years

The NSP shall support development of
an efficient and affordable Mass Public
Transport for all urban areas in the
country

Plan and develop an appropriate
integrated Mass Rapid Transit
System for all urban areas

Establish a comprehensive transport
Management Information System
for all transport modes

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Infrastructure and
transport

• Lands and Physical
Planning

2. County Governments

12 years

An urban transport policy that aims at
developing an integrated, balanced and
environmentally sound urban transport
system in which all modes efficiently
play their roles shall be developed

Prepare a national and county
public transport policy

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Infrastructure and
transport

• Lands and Physical
Planning

2. County Governments

3 years


161
POLICY INITIATIVE ACTORS TIME FRAME

Environmental conservation shall be
upheld in the planning, development
and management of the transportation
network

Develop and operationalize
environmental regulations and
standards for transportation
infrastructure development

Adopt the use of green energy in
transportation system.

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Infrastructure and
transport

• Energy

• Environment

• Lands and Physical
Planning

2. County Governments

3 years

The NSP shall facilitate the provision of
safe, adequate, reliable and affordable
electricity for both urban and rural
settlements.

Construct solar, wind and
geothermal energy generation
plants in the identified areas

Upgrade and expand national
power transmission and distribution
network.

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Energy

2. County Governments

7 years

NSP shall encourage the expansion,
and improvement of water reticulation
systems to facilitate the access to clean,
safe, adequate, reliable and affordable
water in human settlements

Restore the five water towers

Provide water infrastructure for
harvesting and storage in ASAL
counties

Expand national water supply
network

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Water

2. County Governments

7 years

A globally competitive, accessible and
affordable higher education training and
research facilities shall be promoted

Expand infrastructure in higher
education facilities to enhance
access and quality

1. Ministry of Education

2. County Governments

7 years

A network of functional, efficient, safe,
accessible and sustainable national
health referral infrastructure shall be
established

Expand infrastructure and personnel
in national health referral facilities

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Health

2. County Governments

10 years

The NSP shall promote access to
appropriate, quality, efficient and cost
effective ICT infrastructure in both rural
and urban areas.

Upgrade ICT Infrastructure

Establishment of Konza Technology
City

1. Ministry responsible for:

• ICT

2. County Governments

7 years

The expansion of sewerage systems
and waste management facilities shall
be promoted to improve sanitation in
human settlements

Provide and expand the sewerage
coverage and capacity for all urban
areas

Rehabilitate water drainage systems

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Environment

• Water

• Physical Planning

2. County Governments

5 years

Sporting infrastructure shall be planned,
developed, maintained and the existing
infrastructure rehabilitated to promote
sports development.

Set up an International Academy of
Sports to serve as an international
centre for excellence in sports

County Sports Talent Centers

Establish the ‘Kenya Houses” in
international sports competitions

Construct the five national stadia in
the selected area

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Sports, Arts & Culture

• Physical Planning

2. County Governments

3 years

The cluster development strategy shall
be promoted to focus on proximity to
raw materials and markets of region
specific products

Concentrate urban-based industries
in the selected urban areas.

Concentrate livestock produce
industries in the ASAL areas

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Industrialization

• Livestock

2. County Governments

7 years

Specific sites for industrial development
shall be identified, planned and serviced
with the appropriate infrastructure

Plan and set aside land for industrial
development in every county

Develop the appropriate
infrastructure to support industrial
developments

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Industrialization

• Infrastructure

2. County Governments

7 years

3 years

The NSP shall enhance the provision of
adequate and affordable energy supply
for the industrial sector

Expand, modernize and upgrade
electricity generation and supply
with focus on green energy sources

1. Ministry responsible for:

• Energy

2. County Governments

7 years


162


163

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164

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166

Appendices

Appendix 1: List of Institutions that Participated in the Formulation
of NSP

1. Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs)

2. Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC)

3. ESRI Eastern Africa

4. Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA)

5. National Economic & Social Council (NESC)

6. Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Institute (KALRI)

7. Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS)

8. Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA)

9. Kenya Institute of Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)

10. Department of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing (DRSRS)

11. Kenya Forest Service (KFS)

12. Africa Wildlife Foundation (AWF)

13. Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD)

14. Geothermal Development Company (GDC)

15. Kenya Investment Authority (KENINVEST)


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167
Appendix 2: Population Size per County

COUNTY MALE FEMALE TOTAL No. HHs Land Area (KM2) Density

KENYA 19,192,458 19,471,639 38,610,097 8,767,954 581,313.2 66

NAIROBI 1,605,230 1,533,139 3,138,369 985,016 695.1 4,515

KAKAMEGA 800,989 859,662 1,660,651 355,679 3,051.2 544

KIAMBU 802,609 820,673 1,623,282 469,244 2,543.4 638

NAKURU 804,582 798,743 1,603,325 409,836 7,495.1 214

BUNGOMA 671,548 703,515 1,375,063 270,824 3,032.2 453

MERU 670,656 685,645 1,356,301 319,616 6,936.2 196

KISII 550,464 601,818 1,152,282 245,029 1,317.5 875

KILIFI 535,526 574,209 1,109,735 199,764 12,609.7 88

MACHAKOS 543,139 555,445 1,098,584 264,500 6,206.2 177

MANDERA 559,943 465,813 1,025,756 125,497 25,991.5 39

KITUI 481,282 531,427 1,012,709 205,491 30,496.5 33

KISUMU 474,760 494,149 968,909 226,719 2,085.9 465

HOMA BAY 462,454 501,340 963,794 206,255 3,183.3 303

MURANGA 457,864 484,717 942,581 255,696 2,558.8 368

MOMBASA 486,924 452,446 939,370 268,700 218.9 4,292

MIGORI 444,356 472,814 917,170 180,211 2,596.4 353

UASIN GISHU 448,994 445,185 894,179 202,291 3,345.2 267

UASIN GISHU 448,994 445,185 894,179 202,291 3,345.2 267

MAKUENI 430,710 453,817 884,527 186,478 8,008.8 110

TURKANA 445,069 410,330 855,399 123,191 68,680.3 12

NAROK 429,026 421,894 850,920 169,220 17,933.1 47

SIAYA 398,652 443,652 842,304 199,034 2,530.4 333

TRAN-NZOIA 407,172 411,585 818,757 170,117 2,495.5 328

KERICHO 381,980 376,359 758,339 160,134 2,479.0 306

NANDI 376,788 376,477 752,965 154,073 2,884.2 261

NANDI 376,488 376,477 752,965 154,073 2,884.2 261

BUSIA 356,122 387,824 743,948 154,225 1,695.0 439

BOMET 359,727 364,459 724,186 142,361 2,471.3 293

NYERI 339,725 353,833 693,558 201,703 3,337.1 208

KAJIADO 345,146 342,166 687,312 173,464 21,901.0 31

WAJIR 363,766 298,175 661,941 88,574 56,685.8 12

KWALE 315,997 333,934 649,931 122,047 8,270.2 79

GARISSA 334,939 288,121 623,060 98,590 44,175.0 14

NYAMIRA 287,048 311,204 598,252 131,039 899.3 665

NYANDARUA 292,155 304,113 596,268 143,879 3,245.3 184

BARINGO 279,081 276,480 555,561 110,649 11,015.3 50

VIHIGA 262,716 291,906 554,662 123,347 530.9 1,045

KIRINYAGA 260,630 267,424 528,054 154,220 1,479.1 357

EMBU 254,303 261,909 516,212 131,683 2,818.0 183

WEST POKOT 254,827 257,863 512,690 93,777 9,169.4 56

LAIKIPIA 198,602 200,602 399,227 103,114 9,461.9 42

ELGEYO
MARAKWET

183,738 186,260 369,998 77,555 3,029.8 122

ELGEYO
MARAKWET

183,738 186,260 369,998 77,555 3,029.8 122

THARAKA NITHI 178,451 186,879 365,330 88,803 2,638.8 138


A
P

P
EN

D
IC

ES

168
COUNTY MALE FEMALE TOTAL No. HHs Land Area (KM2) Density

MARSABIT 151,112 140,054 291,166 56,941 70,961.2 4

TAITA TAVETA 145,334 139,323 284,657 71,090 17,084.0 17

TANA RIVER 119,853 120,222 240,075 47,414 38,436.9 6

SAMBURU 112,007 111,940 223,947 47,354 21,022.2 11

ISIOLO 73,694 69,600 143,294 31,326 25,336.1 6

LAMU 53,045 48,494 101,539 22,184 6,273.1 16


PLAN APPROVAL

This Plan has been prepared, circulated and published as per the requirements of the Physical Planning Act (Cap
286). The Plan has fulfilled all the statutory requirements and is hereby approved.

CERTIFIED

SS

Director of Physical Planning

DATE. a| WwW \Bni LZ.


APPROVED


Cabinet Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning
DATE. HH ef Bot &

APPROVED PLAN No._NSP/ 01


. Ae —


Ethiopia

Tanzania

LEGEND
© County Headquarters

(Hi Woter Bodies

1) Exctusive Economic Zone|

[J county Boundary
"National and County Roads

[i swchbourng counties

— International Boundary


KENYA IN CONTINENTAL CONTEXT


Southern
Sudan

Tanzania


KI ‘A TOPOGRAPHY

Ethiopia

Somalia


HHI complex ianctorm


His and mountain fotrdiges

LEGEND

==> Neghbounna Counties HII 02% pain ance coastal plan HB vountins
— Nasional soundsny HE Deccession Hi an
Land Forms HBB Esearonens _ oe
HB Avrit sn an vatey
HE essen octane


[HI Voecanc ttt and volcanic craters
ister Bodies


Tanzania

eS Kilometers
0.2040 60120 160 200

LEGEND

Population Density i County Boundaries
1 Dot = 1000 HE eter Boutes i


T

_[ Southern POPULATION DENSITY
Sudan

Ethiopia


sy


* County Headquarter Population Density
Class A Roads [415 UBB) 201-441
“—— National Boundary | 15-39 441-901
(1 kenya 862 ( s9-90 ME 261-2082
|| water Bodies (| 90-201 BI 2083-4511
-

"| Neighbouring Countries


{
southern |g FERTILITY RATE
Sudan

Ethiopia

LEGEND

Fertility Rate — National Boundary

233.7 |_| 5.16.4 Neighbouring Countries

||) Water Bodies


Southern
Sudan Ethiopia

Tanzania


LEGEND

y wedniew Geothermal Welt (0 Water Bodies
Transmission Station Lf LPG Storage +++ Power Transmission Line
+ Power Distibution Substation 2% Oil Exploration Power Distribution Network
% Coal Mining ff Power Station


“—— National Boundary


ser oe = a

a l TOWNS WITH SEWER PROVISIt ]


© Nosower —CiassA Roads ===» proposed Lapesettigwey EL Lake Vieira
@ SowerProvsion Cass 8 Roads existing Ratway une Ll] National Parts
eae Cetecean: LC spied tapeeat Rani

Class D Reads = —— Rhvers


| COMMUNICATION AND ict}

Ethiopia


Southern
Sudan


itl


Tanzania


LEGEND

‘=== Fibre Optics Cable Routes | | Water Bodies

* Under Construction Rangeland Areas

| FMsite mmm Under Sea Cable Irrigation & Livestock Areas
Rainfed Agriculture Areas

2 Earth Satellite Station


& Wsite


southern | HEALTH FACILITIES
Sudan

Ethiopia


Tanzania


LEGEND ~~ a
[El National Referral Hospital Class A Roads 1 Water Bodies
Regional Referral Hospital (Level 5) ——-—~ National Boundary [| County Boundaries:

© County Referral Hospital (Level 4) Kenya Neighbouring Countries


Economic Residential
atures cea) ssitarastonn)

Be acon a tC + Residence for alll
oni) ogencelt rtd

Se aU CRU UL Cay

BP aCe caer
Beets


Teeta sg Natural errs aOn
Pewee increase of | agricultural
Treen] the Peter
rural income [J population rural areas


LAND AVAILABILITY ASSESSMENT

Ethiopia


Southern


Somalia

Tanzania


Southern NSP CONCEPTUAL REGIONS
Sudan

Ethiopia


Tanzania

mez

ee Klornoters
02550 100 150 200 250

Legend

Region 1 Region 4

[EI High Potential Rainted Agricultural zone HEI Hoh ive Economy Potential
Region?

High Irrigation Agricultural and Livestock Potential | Inland Lakes
Region 3
High Largescale Livestock Production Potential Co National Boundary


Southern
Sudan | NATIONAL SPATIAL STRUCTURE |

Ethiopia


Somalia

Tanzania

LEGEND

Briere + int Ratan em ee Pats

Hd Prana = = + upsser conor on

ASSET Pogo nto Apa (APT Ppa abe hearse

he rer mononarnne comma
awe nen ony BE iinrokc eck

BY spor vest te TE ee ensen

GD rss cease — Nora Rota Rangers eos

nat aun ares wae

© Repenat creates
‘ut Gow Aas I san avrarunt pai anne


Potential Growth Areas


TURKANA

Legend

LAPSSET Urban Development Zones

= WPSsET Highway I Force Gown areas
APSSET Rateay

— LePsseT oI eine

— Retway Une

‘Transport Corridors

— Nationa Higtmay Condor

— ower condor

— Regina tighway Conder

[i tates


LEGEND

(7) Potential Largescale Livestock Areas © Steep Areas ‘National Parks

High Potential Irigated Crop HE Water Towers "Grain Basket Areas,

| stock Produl
and Livestock Production Areas rene

TI Hon Potnetia Rants Agua Areas [ater Bodies a


South
Sudan

Tanzania

LEGEND

Tourist Attraction Sites


Beach
EcoTourism

Historical Site
National Park/Resorve
Tourist Towns

Urban Tourism

_ | TOURISM POTENTIAL ASSESSMENT

Ethiopia

Roads
—— Kenya Neighbours Boundary

HI Forest Resewe
[EE come senctusy
HIB Nationat Park
HI Naotionat Reserve
[7 water Bodies

~/


Tourist Circuits

(MD kenya coast

Norther circuit
(7) southern Kenya
[EI Westem kenya

kenya ez


South Sudan

7 [ HUMAN SETTLEMENTS ASSESSMENT |


0.2550 100 * 200. 250

Legend

Class A Roads
Class B Roads


|-— Class C Roads
© Gateway Towns


Urbanization
Potential

HHI 1s Ter international Level,
(Tl ana Tir- Nationa Lovet
[J axatier- Regional Levet

[EBB «eter omer county
Headquarters


— Nationa soundany
(Water Bodies
igh Rangolnd Potntial Region

Mixed Agrieutural and
Rangeind Potential Region

High Agrcutural Potential Region


Southern
Sudan

Tanzania

LEGEND.

+ Tuttle Breeding Areas:

Shoreline

— International Boundary
Steep Areas,

HB uit up areas

[| Sangy beaches
Lowland Areas


(Wire Piateaw
HE Hioniand Areas

RANK

DP Inceginous Forests
Wl, FooaPrains

HEI Vict Toners
DE Marne Parks

Somalia


[SD Mangrove Forests
Wetlands

RANK I
Rivers

TEI Water bosies
HIE National Pans


IsSouthern, [ INDUSTRIAL POTENTIAL ASSESSME) |

Ethiopia


Tanzania


Urban Based Industrial Potential

Extstng industrial Centers
= Navob, Kisumu, Mombasa,


LEGEND
= Special Economic Zones


htnerats ret Makan


4 Industrial Parks. Zone 2


anc
ven ae
qx

+ Po Pans
[1D water bodies

Neighbouring Countries


Minera Based incustil Centers
aged, Karancusl Lokchar


"Neighbouring Counties