Impacts of Anthropogenic Activities on Social-Ecological Attributes of Urban Green Spaces in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Abstract

Urban green spaces are an integral part of urbanization. Globally, the proportion of urbanization is projected to rise to 68% by year 2050, while in Africa; urbanization reached 43.8% in 2019. Green spaces in Nairobi City County have been increasingly threatened by overcrowding, poor planning, weak management structures and illegal alienation thus denying city residents access to the much-needed recreation and leisure facilities. This study sought to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic activities on social ecological attributes of urban green spaces in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Specifically, the study first synthesized the functions of urban green spaces based on their attributes (size and functions); secondly, determined the different causal factors responsible for the changes in the attributes of urban green spaces and finally established the interconnectedness of the attributes of urban green spaces and their social and ecological values. The target population was the total population of Nairobi City County 4,397,073 while the sample population was 384. The Neighbourhood Unit Theory was used since it sets green spaces as the core of a community and clearly outlines the boundaries meant to ensure quality of life. Data was collected using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study design involved cross-sectional survey designs and stratified random sampling of the green spaces based on their location within the urban core and peri-urban of Nairobi City County. The stratification of the study area was based on a selection of variables considered relevant for evaluating the influence of human activities on attributes such as total area, vegetation cover, dominant function and space character and proximity to urban dwelling. Piloting was done at the People’s Park, Machakos County. Finally, random sampling of two green spaces within the urban core and two green spaces in the peri-urban area was used in this study. Primary data was collected through surveys; interviews with respondents in the study area, direct observation guides and structured questionnaires while documentary data analysis was among the instruments used in the data collection exercise. Findings show that urban green spaces in Nairobi City County are characterized by their myriad of functions including hosting of rare fauna and flora species. They occur as recreational parks, nature reserves, trekking trails, exercise tracks and historical sites. They serve the residents of Nairobi in health, sports, social and recreational needs. Majority of the park users did not have a green space in their neighbourhood, while 51.7% of the respondents had to travel between five and ten kilometres to access the nearest green space. Insecurity was highest in City Park (91.8%). In 2023 Karura forest served the highest number of visitors (455 832) while City Park had no data since it is not fenced and so cannot not regulate entry or charge. All green spaces have registered an increase in the number of visitors since Covid-19 struck. GIS maps show a drop of land area declining by up to 22% between 1988 and 2023. This was caused by infrastructure development, expansion of built up structures, overcrowding/population, encroachment, insecurity, inadequate staffing and degradation initiated by high population of visitors and inadequate staffing. Multiple regression was conducted to determine the relationship between the green spaces attributes and the demographic structures. The regression analysis suggested that age, gender, education and family sizes have significant influences on the attributes of green spaces like security, accessibility, hygiene and infrastructure. The two levels of government should identify, demarcate and gazatte all public land to improve, protect, assign managers and avoid land use change and illegal alienation. For sustainability the governments should apply a multi-sectoral approach and encourage CFAs as well as establish sustainable Kenya Cities Policy.