Urban green space characteristics, visitation patterns and influence of visitors’ socio-economic attributes on visitation in Kisumu City and Eldoret Municipality, Kenya

Abstract

Urban green spaces are known to generate environmental, social and health benefits that accrue to urban residents mainly through direct and indirect use. However, information on how such green spaces are used, reasons behind their use and individual factors influencing such use is not readily available especially in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study sought to fill this gap by examining green spaces’ characteristics, visitation patterns and reasons for their visitation in Kisumu City and Eldoret Municipality of Kenya. The study further examined the association between visitors’ socio-economic attributes and frequency of green space use. Data collected from seven public green spaces purposively selected was used. An observation checklist was employed to assess the characteristics of sampled green spaces while a questionnaire survey was used to obtain information on reasons for green space visitation and users’ socio-economic attributes. Data was analyzed descriptively to elicit green spaces’ characteristics, visitation patterns and visitors’ socio-economic attributes. Adjusted logistic regression model was employed to determine the association between visitors’ socio-economic attributes and visitation frequency. Findings reveal lack of uniformity in characteristics exhibited across green spaces. Green spaces that exhibited most attributes were also highly visited and the main reason for visitation was relaxation and ‘waiting for someone’. Being male, having been divorced, separated or widowed and having secondary or tertiary education were found to be significant socio-economic predictors of green space use. The paper recommends the need to increase density of green spaces in urban areas as well as provision of requisite facilities and amenities to enhance access and utility of green spaces for different needs by majority of urban residents.