The Effects of Infrastructural Development and Settlement on the Quality and Integrity of Nairobi National Park
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Date
2023
Authors
Nyaga, Doreen Wanjiku
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Protected areas are used as a strategy for conservation and sustainable development. They
are a source of foreign exchange and income to a country from tourism. They also
contribute to community livelihoods. Kenya’s game parks for example attract nearly two
million tourists each year, making wildlife conservation a high priority. However
protected areas face challenges from incompatible land use activities and encroachment.
With increased urbanisation, conservation efforts have faced challenges from habitat loss
due to land degradation and fragmentation. Urbanization also leads to increase in roads,
railway lines and buildings that expose wildlife to stress from noise pollution and other
forms of pollution. Urban development’s increase the risks of human-wildlife conflicts.
The main aim of this study was to find out how infrastructural developments and
settlements have affected drainage in the Nairobi National Park area. It also estimated the
size of land lost to infrastructural development and determine how this has brought about
human-wildlife conflicts and impacts on conservation. The study that was conducted in
2021 used descriptive research design. Collection of primary data was carried out by the
use of questionnaires, interview schedules, observation and GIS mapping to determine the
developmental changes that have taken place. Secondary data collection method was used
in evaluating the trend of the number of animals’ species within the park. Data gathered
by use of questionnaire which involved infrastructural development and settlement and
human-wildlife conflicts at the fenced part was analysed using statistical methods. The
study found that railways and roads within the park adversely affected the life in the park.
These effects include displacement of animals, obstruction of animal movement by
blocking their migration paths and deaths of animals and birds through collisions with
moving cars or trains and reduction of land set for animals. The drainage patterns have
also been altered affecting flow of water especially along SGR. The size of park had also
reduced by approximately 10,000 Ha due to constructions of a railway, roads and setting
up of hotels. The study recommends the policy makers to enforce laws to protect the
governments agencies from encroaching into areas reserved for wildlife and forest. It was
recommended introduction of basic environmental conservation education at all levels of
learning to help Kenyans appreciate importance of environmental conservation.
Description
A Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment for the Degree of Master of Environmental Planning and Management in the School of Environmental Studies of Kenyatta University, March 2023.
Keywords
Infrastructural Development, Settlement, Nairobi National Park