An Analysis of Land Use Options in Kitengela and its Effect on Conservation and Management of Nairobi National Park

  • Paul Okelo Odwori Department of Business Management, University of Eldoret, P. O. Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya.
  • Hellen Ipara Department of Wildlife Management, School of Natural Resource Management, University of Eldoret, P. O. Box 1125 – 30100, Eldoret, Kenya
  • Dermmillah Fridah Obare University of Eldoret, P.O Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya.
##article.subject##: Nairobi National Park, Land Use

##article.abstract##

Nairobi National Park is unable to incorporate the spatial and temporal dynamics of many migratory mammals that rely on the area as a dry season refuge because of its small size. This has been made even worse by human encroachment on the park area. During the wet season, wild animals must be able to migrate to the south into the Kitengela dispersal area. However, Kitengela is under private ownership and currently in a process of subdivision, fencing, and conversion of grasslands to croplands and settlements thus jeopardizing its capacity to contribute to the dispersion of wildlife and hence the viability of the park. This study analyzed land-use options in the Kitengela area and their effect on Nairobi National Park. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, discussions and observations. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, cross tabulations and chi-square (χ2) test with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). All data were tested at the 95% (0.05) level of significance. Results indicate that although wildlife conservation would give the highest income of a monthly average of Kshs 27,500, the Kitengela land-owners preferred to put their land under residential houses and commercial buildings which would give them an average monthly income of Kshs 24,286. The study recommends that policy should be formulated to regulate utilization of land in Kitengela area in order to create room to facilitate the dispersion of wild animals to and from Nairobi National Park.

Author Biography

Paul Okelo Odwori, Department of Business Management, University of Eldoret, P. O. Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya.

Paul Okelo Odwori is a PhD holder in Agricultural Economics and Resource Management from Moi University. He is a Natural Resource Economist dealing with Economics of Wildlife resources, Forest resources & Agricultural resources. His professional objective is to pursue a career as a natural resource economist. He endeavours to contribute to natural resources sustainable utilization through proper accounting and valuations of natural resources. His research interest is therefore biased to economics, utilization and management of natural resources. Currently, He is a Senior Lecturer and Head, Department of Business Management, School of Business and Management Sciences, University of Eldoret

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2018-09-14
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##issue.vol## 1 ##issue.no## 4 (2014)
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