Socio-Economic Implications of Immigration into Kitengela Town, Kajiado County, Kenya between 2011 And 2021
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Date
2024-02
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Globally, there had been an overwhelming concern on increasing population, whereas
resources to sustain the increased number of people in most parts of the world were
getting rare every day particularly in developing countries including Kenya. Kajiado
County‟s population as per the 2019 census report was at 1,117,840 an increase from the
687,312 as per 2009 census. Kitengela Town has had unprecedented growth in immigrant
population to 154,436 for the past ten years, a phenomenon unlikely to be as a result of
natural increase. This population comprises a mosaic of different communities. This
study main objective was to determine the socio-economic implications of immigration in
Kitengela Town, Kenya. The following specific objectives were used to guide the study;
to establish the socio-demographic characteristic of the immigrants, to determine the
economic effect of immigration in Kitengela Town and to identify factors influencing
immigration to Kitengela Town. The study was grounded on the Neoclassical Theory. A
stratified sampling technique was used to select 153 immigrants residing in Kitengela
Town and three key informants. The study employed a descriptive survey design to
collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The data was collected using questionnaires
and interview guides. Quantitative data was organized, cleaned, coded and analyzed
using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS v 25.0) software. Percentages and
frequencies were computed and presented in charts and tables. Qualitative data was
cleaned and transcribed to bring out important information in the best way. The study
results showed that there are both positive and negative implications of immigration in
Kitengela Town. The study also established that immigration to Kitengela Town is
facilitated by better healthcare facilities, better housing infrastructure, industrialization of
urban areas, better employment opportunities as well as good learning institutions.
However, some of the problems encountered by immigrants included traffic congestion,
weather change, and difference in living standards (either high or unmanageable),
struggle to settle in, fluctuating financial status, and insecurity especially at night among
others. From the findings, the study proposes targeted initiatives in Kitengela Town to
address immigration challenges and harness opportunities. Customized educational
programs, encompassing language training and skill development, are recommended for
immigrants with diverse educational backgrounds. Empowering female immigrants
through equal access to education, employment, and community programs is emphasized.
Comprehensive family support services, including healthcare and counseling, are
suggested, along with community events to strengthen family bonds. Awareness
campaigns promoting cultural understanding and collaboration with local businesses for
inclusive job opportunities are crucial. Addressing housing issues, improving safety
measures, expanding healthcare facilities, and facilitating civic engagement programs are
essential
Description
A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Geography in Partial Fulfilment of the Degree of Master of Arts in Geography in the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences, Kenyatta University, February 2024.
Supervisors
1. Thomas N. Kibutu
2. Francis O. Onsongo