Migration and Urbanization

Embu County

Urbanisation in Embu County

Guided by the policy of growth centres strategy

Development of rural-based market centres

Upgrading of local administrative and commercial centres from townships to urban centres/county councils to municipal councils.

HOWEVER, future development is based on: the continued improvement of their infrastructure

Urbanisation and Development

Any current guide?

Vision 2030: Kenya’s Strategy for Development

Urbanisation is KEY in the Social Pillar.

Guiding Development Strategies

1963 -1983: Centralised development strategy.

1983: District Focus for Rural Development strategy.

2010 (August): Promulgation of New Constitution ….Devolved Governance …decentralising development strategy.

THUS: Urban development ---National/County Level

Embu Urbanisation Trend

1979 1989 1999 20090

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

15.118.1 19.3

31.3

0.700000000000001

0.700000000000001

11.516.1

Kenya EmbuYears

% U

rban

Why Urbanisation?

Development: Associated with urbanization.

NOTE: ALL rich countries are urban countries. 

No country has ever reached high income levels with low urbanization.

Urban Centres: Allow for innovation and goods produced in larger quantity and more cheaply.

Effects of Unplanned Urbanisation

NONETHELESS! Municipalities/urban councils: failed to keep pace with rapid urban population growth.

THUS! Pressure on existing resources (infrastructure and

services).

Increase in informal settlements (i.e. Urban slums).

Urban poor: 43.1% ( 27,834 persons)

Recommendation

County government and Partners should hasten:

the development of the county migration

and urban development policies.

the development and implementation of urban development plans.

Aspired Current Status

Two Sides of Urbanisation

Planning Solution to …!

WAY FORWARD

Embu …!