Student Short Biography
Judy Kawira is a Land administrator and an Urban manager. She holds a Bachelor of degree in Science Land Administration from
Technical University of Kenya. Her key interest is in land tenure, land use, land information systems, land policy, GIS and remote
sensing.
Currently, she is working at the Technical University of Kenya and a also a graduate member of Institute of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK).
She has experience working with academic institutions, County Government, International and Local NGOs.
https://tukenyaac.academia.edu/JudyKawira
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Judy-Kawira
Thesis / Project Title
Assessing Sustainability of Urban Growth on Ongata Rongai Town, Kajiado County, Kenya
Thesis / Project Abstract
The rapid development of urban areas is not only a contributor to the economic growth of developing countries but also a significant driver of environmental change and resource use. Sustainable development of urban areas is one of the global concerns and is prominently captured in the sustainable development goals.
The study assesses the environmental, social (governance) and spatial (urban form). It further assesses historical patterns of
change in urban land development using land use/land cover maps combined with other geospatial datasets such as topographical data and population data to document the historical patterns of change in Ongata Rongai between 2000 and 2020.
The assessment indicated that Ongata Rongai has not yet attained sustainable development.
The reasons for the inability to attain sustainable development include lack of approved plans to guide developments, presence of
a poor urban land tenure system and unregulated land markets, uncoordinated institutions and lack of monitoring of urban
development, lack of political will and interference by the justice system. The study recommends that the smart concept be promoted
in addition to the establishment of an urban board and sensitization of public participation. To keep pace with the rapid development
and promote compact development, a land readjustment strategy is recommended.
Research Supervisors
Dr. Margaret Macharia
Arc. Erastus Abonyo