Factors Which Influence the Patterns of Built Structures in the Riparian Areas of Nairobi River Basin

Abstract

This study sought to investigate major factors that have influenced the patterns of built structures along Nairobi riparian zones using an analytical approach and some aspects of correlations. The study employed a descriptive research design with various data collecting methodologies, including questionnaires, photos, interviews, and secondary empirical support. The areas covered by the study fall within the Upper Nairobi river basin, which includes Upper Mathare, Motoine, and Nairobi river tributaries. A population of 270 households was sampled within the three areas. Main economic activities in these areas include small businesses, farming, informal and formal employment, as well as Juakali activities. About 59% of the Motoine catchment households understand the term riparian, and 27% do not. In the Nairobi river catchment, 73% understand the term riparian, while the other 27% of the population do not, while in Mathare River, 83% of the household understand a riparian, and 17% do not. Corruption and greed was the main cause of encroachment as observed by 86% of the population, 34% attributed poor leadership, 71% cited lack of law enforcement, and 40% cited ignorance among the people and in government. A positive correlation was identified between the knowledge of riparian and problem of encroachment. In the Motoine River (Pearson’s R= 0.715). Nairobi river (Pearson’s R=0.54) very strong correlation (Pearson’s R= 0.946) was established in the. The study found that the main drivers that influence built structures in riparian zones are overpopulation, poverty, lack of alternative land, ignorance, lack of law enforcement in the government, and corruption. The study established that a high level of ignorance and low levels of formal education as the main contributor to discounting riparian protection among the residents. Lack of law enforcement, political interference, and high levels of corruption in the government attributes to be the cause of undue degree ..........