TRENDS AND MANAGEMENT OF WATER RELATED CONFLICTS IN THE UPPER EWASO NYIRO, NORTH RIVER SUB-BASIN OF KENYA

Lesrima Simeon
Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Nyamasyo Gideon
Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Kiemo K.
Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya

ABSTRACT

Water conflicts in the Upper Ewaso Nyiro north river sub-basin have huge impact on the livelihoods of the communities AND necessitating the need for a resolution for sustainable use and for peaceful co-existence of water users. The Theory of Access, Game Theory informed the study. Data was collected using primary and secondary sources. Primary data collection tools were structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and transect walks. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data analysis and summative content analysis was applied for qualitative data analysis. Results show that 66.7% and 49.4% of downstream and upstream households respectively confirm the presence of water related conflicts in the sub-basin. The results further show that 60.7% of the households mention conflicts as seasonal while 26.6% state water related conflicts as unpredictable. The findings profile a trend where experienced water conflicts are related to water scarcity. The study further established that 32.6% of the households indicated increased tensions, animosity, quarrels, hostile verbal exchanges, fighting and loss of property as the major manifestation of water conflicts, 31.3% indicated tensions and animosity while 16.9% indicate fighting and loss of property. 23.7% of reports were made to faith-based organizations while 19.5% reported to Water Resources Users Associations. The study established that 43.5% of the conflicts were reported to provincial administration as the authority in conflict management. Finally, the rule of law in water and environmental management should be main- streamed at all levels from water users to institutions mandated to oversee enforcement.

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TOWARDS URBAN PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE LINKAGES IN THE DELIVERY OF SUSTAINABLE PUBLIC URBAN OPEN SPACES IN NAIROBI

Mwaniki Bernadette W.
Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Gakuya Daniel W.
Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Mwaura A. Munyua
Department of Urban and Regional Planning, School of the Built Environment, university of Nairobi, Kenya
Muthama Nzioka J.
Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya

ABSTRACT

Good governance is important in all walks of life. In the running of nations and cities, research attests to the critical significance of good governance since it determines whether or not countries and cities advance into wealth and health or stagnate through underdevelopment or even slip backwards through divisive policies and abuse of public resources. Research also confirms the importance of urban planning, which creates living areas that are efficient, equitable, healthy and vibrant with biodiversity and variety. This study aims to investigate whether and how enhanced linkages between governance and urban planning deliver more sustainable public open spaces in Nairobi City. Data was collected through general questionnaire survey (n=400), key respondents questionnaire survey (n=20), key respondent interviews, observations, review of documents and maps. The study revealed intricate inter-linkages between governance and urban planning and how global North countries have exploited these to create urban planning models and strategies that enhance productivity, aesthetics, health and quality of life. The study has shown that these linkages are not exploited in Nairobi City, which instead uses private interests and market forces to drive urban development at the expense of social interests and urban nature. The study recommends the creation of adequate operational space for urban planning by equipping it with good institutional, planning, open spaces and legal frameworks that enable the profession to execute its mandate of guiding the implementation of the city’s visions and goals towards greater wealth, higher employment opportunities, better laid out infrastructure and services and life enhancing environments. 

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ADDRESSING URBAN CHALLENGES IN NAIROBI CITY, KENYA: THE SCOPE FOR COLLABORATIVE PLANNING APPROACHES IN ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Mwaniki Bernadette W.
Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Gakuya Daniel W.
Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Mwaura A. Munyua
Department of Urban and Regional Planning, School of the Built Environment, university of Nairobi, Kenya
Muthama Nzioka J.
Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya

ABSTRACT

Urban planning is increasingly seen as having a critical role in confronting the unique and serious challenges of the 21st Century generated by man-made drivers that cause pressures on the environment creating life threatening impacts. Governments and scholars in the global North have formulated innovative and technologically based urban planning models and strategies that deliver greener, more efficient and sustainable growth generating cities. The study aimed to examine international urban planning models that deliver the most open spaces and the strategies used in the delivery process.  It additionally examined the state and structures of urban planning in Kenya and Nairobi, endeavouring to explore what holds urban planning in Nairobi City from maximum service delivery and its potential role in environmental enhancement and protection alongside the sustainable development goals (SDGs) proposed to world governments by the United Nations. Data was collected through a general questionnaire survey (N=400) and key respondents questionnaire survey (N=20). Key respondents interviews, participant observation and document reviews were used to acquire in-depth local knowledge of the issues under empirical investigation. The results point towards plausible recommendations for more organized open space planning, legal frameworks and operational tools accompanied by a deliberate and decisive paradigm shift towards new collaborative planning models that deliver more sustainable cities.

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