Browsing by Author "Nthiwa, Alex Ngolanye"

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    Mapping the Spatial Patterns of Ethnic Segregation and Its Implications to Urban Policy In Nairobi City
    (Springer Nature, 2024) Nthiwa, Alex Ngolanye; Kisovi, Leornard; Kibutu Thomas; Muiruri, Philomena
    In modern times, cities around the world have grappled with the challenges of racial and ethnic segregation. In Nairobi city, with its diverse ethnic makeup, there is widening inequalities and emerging patterns of ethnic segregation, where the five main ethnic groups - Kamba, Luo, Kikuyu, Luhyia, and Kisii - experience varying levels of spatial concentration. This study analysed the spatial patterns of ethnic segregation in Nairobi, using geocoded questionnaire data from the 2019 Kenya population and housing census data. We used the Index of Dissimilarity in STATA software and Geo-segregation Analyzer and Anselin’s Local Moran I method in GIS to map ethnic segregation patterns. Our findings uncovered a striking socio-spatial divide based on ethnicity. Anselin Local Moran’s I indicators further pinpointed areas with the highest levels of segregation and spatial clustering of specific ethnic groups. These findings offer crucial insights for urban planners and policymakers. By pinpointing areas experiencing the most severe spatial segregation, our research could inform spatially targeted interventions and resource allocation. This could inform policies that foster inclusivity, reduce spatial inequalities, and build a more equitable and socially cohesive city
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    Spatial Dimension and Implications of Ethnic and Socio-Economic Segregation in Nairobi City County, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2024-09) Nthiwa, Alex Ngolanye
    Cities serve as economic engines and cultural hubs, yet their dynamism can obscure deep-seated inequalities. Ethnic segregation - the physical separation of different ethnicities in distinct neighborhoods, and socio-economic segregation - the widened gap between wealthy and disadvantaged people, are becoming increasingly prominent features of urban landscapes worldwide. These interconnected phenomena present significant challenges for government administrators, urban managers, policymakers and planners who must grapple with their complex implications for social cohesion, economic vibrancy, and overall urban sustainability. In Kenya, segregation manifests in unequal access to employment, education, housing, infrastructure, and opportunities. Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, exemplifies this trend with a growing wealth gap between affluent and disadvantaged areas, alongside emerging ethnic segregation amongst the Kamba, Luhyia, Kikuyu, Kisii, and Luo communities. With limited research addressing this pressing issue, this study adopts a mixed methods case study research design to analyze the spatial patterns of ethnic and socio-economic segregation. Utilizing the 2019 census and spatial data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the study triangulates quantitative analysis with qualitative data gleaned from Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews. The study utilizes various analytical tools, including descriptive statistics in SPSS, Anselin's Local Moran I geostatistic in ArcGIS, and the Index of Dissimilarity in Geo-Segregation Analyzer and STATA. The findings reveal a stark socio-spatial stratification of Nairobi City County based on ethnicity. The Index of Dissimilarity confirms the existence of ethnic segregation among the five largest ethnic groups in Nairobi City County, with spatial analysis further pinpointing specific clustering patterns. Local Moran’s I spatial analysis showed Kamba to cluster in areas such as Embakasi, Tassia, Mukuru, Nyayo and Umoja and Kikuyu in Kahawa West, Zimmerman, Roysambu, Kasarani and Mwiki. The Luo showed significant clustering in areas such as Kariobangi, Lucky Summer, Kayole, Komarock, Kibera, Mathare, and Korogocho while Luhya exhibited concentrations in locations like Kangemi and Kawangware with Kisii dominating Utawala, Savannah, and Viwandani. The study finds clear link between ethnic segregation and socio-economic factors in Nairobi, with residents choosing neighborhoods based on shared similarities like religion, marital status, education, and employment. The study concludes that identifying spatially segregated areas can help policymakers and urban managers strategically allocate resources and interventions to areas in greatest need for effective urban transformation. Further, by acknowledging the complexities and interconnectedness of ethnic and socio-economic segregation, we can move towards creating a city where all residents have the opportunity to thrive. The study recommends that, Nairobi City County government should prioritize robust urban planning frameworks recognizing the crucial complexity involved in implementing diverse laws and policies governing urban planning and development at both national and county levels.