Spatial planning interventions and their implications on conservation of urban green spaces

Abstract

Urban green spaces are quite important in enhancing the urban environment and the aesthetic quality of city life. This research attempts to give proposals for improving the quality of urban green spaces in Kisumu city. The objective of the study was to analyze spatial planning interventions and their implications on conservation of urban green spaces. Data, which was qualitative, was collected from published documents, observation and questionnaires. Content Analysis was used to analyze this objective. The study found out that the multiplicity of laws and regulations, as well as multiple institutions, are the major impediments to the planning and building sector. The absence of a national land use and urban policy has also resulted in haphazard developments that are incompatible and not well served with infrastructural services. The study recommends that a supportive legislative and administrative framework should be put in place; a supportive authoritative body should be established to exhibit strict adherence to physical planning laws at all times; and a single inter-ministerial agency should be made responsible for urban affairs.