Migration and Urbanization

Garissa County

Urbanisation in Garissa County

Guided by: The Growth Centres Strategy

Development of rural-based market centres

Upgrading of local administrative and commercial centres from townships to urban centres/county councils to municipal councils.

HOWEVER ….future development of these centres is based on: the continued improvement of their infrastructure

Urbanisation and Development

Any current guide?

Vision 2030: Kenya Strategy for Development

Urbanisation is KEY in the Social Pillar.

Guiding Development Strategies

1963 -1983: Centralised development strategy.

1983: District Focus for Rural Development strategy.

2010 (August): Promulgation of New Constitution ….Devolved Governance …decentralising development strategy.

THUS: Urban development ---National/County Level.

Garissa’s Urbanisation Trend

1979 1989 1999 20090

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

15.118.1 19.3

31.3

0.9 0.9

22.1 23.5

Kenya Garissa

Years

% U

rban

Why Urbanisation?

Development: Associated with urbanization.

NOTE: ALL rich countries are urban countries. 

No country has ever reached high income levels with low urbanization.

Urban Centres: Allow for innovation and goods produced in larger quantity and more cheaply.

Effects of Unplanned Urbanisation

Municipalities/town/urban councils: failed to keep pace with rapid urban population growth.

THUS! Pressure on existing resources (infrastructure and services).

Increase in informal settlements (i.e. Urban slums).

Urban poor: 55% (59,237 persons).

Recommendation

County Government and Partners should hasten:

the development of the county migration and urban development policies.

the development and implementation of urban development plans.

Aspired Current Status

Two sides of Urbanisation

Planning for Development

Garissa …!