The Role of Planning Regulatory Controls and Policies in Preservation of Urban Landscape Identity in Urban Renewal: A Case Study of Kisumu City, Kenya

Abstract

Urban renewal undertaken to respond to urban decay and physical deterioration within cities especially in the Global South are rarely guided by planning regulatory controls and policies that recognize the importance of landscape identity. There is need to acknowledge and integrate landscape values and identity in planning regulatory controls and policies that guide infrastructural developments and urban renewal within cities. This should ensure preservation, conservation of the unique and distinct features that differentiate between places to avoid homogenization of cities. The aim of this study is to identify gaps and make recommendations to the planning regulatory controls and policies that support the preservation of landscape identity in urban renewal projects. Legal and policy frameworks that regulate planning, development and those that regulate preservation of urban areas at national and county levels in Kenya through various identified Acts of parliament has been discussed. These legal and policy frameworks regulate urban renewal and or redevelopment through preparation of the Local Physical Development Plans (LPDPs). The steps followed in the initiation and execution of the various works under the renewal are discussed as guided by existing national and county policies and legal frameworks. The study analysed and documented existing planning regulations, by-laws and policies that are involved in the execution of urban renewal in Kisumu City through desk review of relevant documents within County Government of Kisumu (CGK) and at national level. The study presents a conceptual framework that connects urban renewal to urban landscape identity. The study found out that the existing policies and regulatory controls lacked the inclusion of landscape identity in guiding urban renewal and other new infrastructural developments and this study fills this gap. The study recommends adoption of legislative and institutional frameworks and measures that support recognition and adoption of the environmental and landscape values of heritage e.g., within the Old Town area