The Effectiveness of Land Use Administration and Governance on Controlling Urban Spatial Forms in Nairobi
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Date
2024-01
Authors
Mwangi, Mary Muthoni
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Science Publishing Group
Abstract
It is recognised that in developing human settlements, the use and tenure of land should be subject to public
control, since land is limited in supply. The demand for housing by the middle-income group in Nairobi, as in many other
cities of the global south, is of a significant size, and growing at an alarming rate. This article demonstrates that this group
is not only an engine of economic growth, but also a driver for new urban spatial forms, including residential developments.
However, housing developers for the middle income group, in pursuance of high investment returns, are not necessarily
concerned about complying with planning laws and regulations; they have found ways to negotiate with land administration
and governance to realise returns from their investments. This phenomenon of non-compliance with planning laws and
regulations is an on-going issue of concern for sub-Sahara Africa cities; it creates informality in urban development in that
the resulting developments have aspects which are perceived to be outside formal planning stipulations. This article
investigates the effectiveness of land use administration and governance on controlling middle-income housing
developments in Nairobi. Qualitative interviewing was aimed at understanding perceptions of the planning system by both
planners and developers, and how and why their interests differ. It was of interest to this research to find out why
non-compliance in land use planning is tolerated or ignored. The study argues that even though developers defy the
planning system, their contribution to the production of habitable space is commendable because they bridge a large gap in
urban housing provision – they play an important role and planners would do well to embrace this. Non-compliance in land
use planning, and informalities in housing developments thereon, does not necessarily produce inappropriate housing for
the residents. Resulting residential developments have a niche in the housing market and serve a housing need, affirming
that local perceptions and realities are not in sync with formal planning requirements of the state.
Description
Article
Keywords
Land Administration, Governance, Non-Compliance, Planners, Developers, Conflicting Interests
Citation
Mwangi, M. M. (2024). The Effectiveness of Land Use Administration and Governance on Controlling Urban Spatial Forms in Nairobi. Urban and Regional Planning, 9(1), 12-23.