Abstract:
The utilization and visitation patterns of Urban Green Spaces (UGS) by users and visitors are inextricably
tied to the satisfaction and willingness derived from these spaces. In essence, the positive experiences and
levels of satisfaction individuals garner from UGS significantly influence their patterns of usage and
frequency of visits. However, few details of this relationship have been studied on matters UGS in SubSaharan Africa. This study investigates the relationship between demographic characteristics and visitation
patterns of residents to UGS in slum dwelling areas using Dandora as case study. Survey research design
was adopted as a method of investigation using a sample frame of 100. Stratified and simple random
sampling technique was used in issuing the household questionnaires. The demographic information
analysis reveals a gender-balanced respondent pool, with a predominant youth population of thirty to forty
years (30-40 years old), largely educated up to secondary level, and primarily self-employed. The majority
of respondents have been residents for one to ten years (1-10 years), mainly in Phase two (II) and four (IV)
of Dandora. A significant proportion eighty-four percent (84%) of respondents visit UGS, citing weekly
visits forty-one percent (41%) and daily visits thirty-four percent (34%) as the most common frequencies.
In contrast, sixteen percent 16% do not visit UGS primarily due to concerns about insecurity and other
reasons. The study employs a multinomial regression model to examine the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and frequency of UGS visitation. The results indicate a significant
relationship, with place of residence being a key factor influencing visitation frequency. Specifically,
residents in Phase II show a significant impact on daily and weekly visitation, while residents in Phases III
and IV influence monthly visitation. The findings suggest that socio-demographic factors especially place
of residence where there are accessible UGS and also resident’s occupation, play a crucial role in
influencing residents' UGS visitation patterns. Understanding these relationships can inform urban
planning strategies to enhance accessibility and engagement with green spaces in Dandora..
Keywords: Urban Green Spaces, Socio-Demographic Characteristics, Visitation Patterns, Multinomial
Regression, Slum Dwelling Areas, Dandora, Kenya
