AN INVESTIGATION OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES PRACTISED ON URBAN GREEN SPACES IN DANDORA, NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Urban Green Spaces (UGS) are amongst the major controversies in the urban landscape as a consequence of conflicting interests between conservationists and developers and their depletion is taking place at an alarming rate, especially now that 4.4 billion people live in the world’s cities. The main aim of the study was to investigate the drivers, effects and policy implications of human activities on Urban Green Spaces in Dandora, Nairobi County. The objectives of the study were; to identify the diverse types and drivers of human activities carried out on Urban Green Spaces in Dandora, to determine the effects as a result of human activities in Dandora and to examine the effectiveness of existing institutional, legal and policy frameworks for sustainable management and utilization of Urban Green Spaces in Dandora in relation to the human activities. Survey research design was adopted as a method of investigation using a sample frame of 143. Stratified and simple random sampling technique was used in issuing the household questionnaires. Purposive sampling technique was used to conduct interviews on Key informant; businesses, chiefs, National Environmental Management Authority, Nairobi City Council and Community Based Organizations. The information obtained was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS and MS Excel and presented using bar graphs, tables and pie charts. The research finding established affordability (absence of entry charges), proximity to place where they stay and work, aesthetics and beauty of these spaces, adequacy of spaces, the state of security present and lastly, availability of facilities (such as sanitary facilities, seating area, children play facilities) were drivers attracting residents to visit UGS. 16% of the residents are driven away from visiting UGS due to the following; insecurity, congestion and inadequate leisure time due to high job and family demands, high cost of visitation, and dirty and non-appealing. The finding established several human activities that are practiced in and around green spaces in Dandora which were categorized in to three, social activities and economic and environmental activities The findings established that there were a number of negative impacts arising from the human activities practiced in and around the green spaces, littering, illegal dumping, and reduced aesthetic being most significant. The study established that Kenya lacks specific policies and regulations dealing specifically with planning and management of UGS. Eighty three percent (83%) of the respondents claimed that they have never been involved in public participation and public awareness initiatives on matter that relate to the management of the UGS by the county government. The challenges in the management and maintenance of UGS included; inadequate funds, land grabbing and encroachment by private developers, increased cases of vandalism of the public facilities such as fences that surrounds the UGS, uncooperative members of the public who litter and dispose solid waste in theses spaces. Some recommendations for the study are: Development of effective and articulate UGS policy framework and management plans for UGS planning, governance and management that will be reviewed and updated after every three to five-year period; The County government in collaboration with the police department should invest in enhancing and providing security through installation of street lights in order to prevent crimes; NCC should ensure effective and timely waste collection and disposal wastes in the UGS. This study aims to address the lack of research on UGS in African literature, which is currently limited.