Musyimi, Margaret Mueni2024-09-262024-09-262024-02https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/28896A 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. OnsongoGlobally, 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 essentialenThesis