Riungu, James Muthomi
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Evaluation of Compliance of Urban Land Use Zones to Integrated Land Use Plan in Meru Municipality, Meru County, Kenya Riungu, James Muthomi; Kathuri, Muses Njeru
Journal of Geographical Sciences and Education Vol 2 No 4 (2024): Journal of Geographical Sciences and Education
Publisher : PT. Pubsains Nur Cendekia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.69606/geography.v2i4.151

Abstract

Urbanization is supposed to follow a guided land use plan. However, in most of the towns in Kenya, Meru municipality included, this has not been the case. This can be linked to violation of land use plan regulations. This study evaluated the land use zones' compliance level with integrated land use plans in Meru municipality. The study sought to establish the level of compliance of various urban land use zones to the integrated Land use plan of Meru municipality. A sample of 389 residents from a population of 88,871 was selected using Krejcie & Morgan (1970) formulae. Questionnaires, interviews, remote sensing, and observations were used to collect data from developers and key informants. The study found that the average compliance levels of the five land zones were as follows: recreational/ Conservation zone (83.3%), commercial (75.8%), agricultural (52.8%), residential (50.1%), and compliance of industrial zone 44.8%. The study therefore recommended the following: land use plan implementation needs close monitoring; planning officials in Meru municipality need capacity building on evaluation and follow-up on land use plans.
Influence of Anthropogenic Activities on Spatio-Temporal Land Use Change in the Tungu–Nithi Sub-Catchment, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya Kibaara, Sarah Wanja; Kathuri, Moses Njeru; Kibetu, Dickson Kinoti; Riungu, James Muthomi
Journal of Geographical Sciences and Education Vol 3 No 4 (2025): Journal of Geographical Sciences and Education
Publisher : PT. Pubsains Nur Cendekia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.69606/geography.v3i4.349

Abstract

Anthropogenic activities significantly modify the River Tungu and Nithi sub-catchment, influencing biodiversity and ecological balance. This prompts a need for a thorough understanding of their effects for effective conservation efforts.  This study aims to map the influence of anthropogenic activities on land use change by integrating remote sensing with non-parametric statistical tests within the Tungu-Nithi sub-watershed. This research employs the meta-ecosystem perspective theory as its conceptual basis and utilizes mixed-methods research design. The results showed that vegetation cover and settlements increased by 19.1% and 6.7%, respectively. Conversely, there was a decrease in bare land, road networks, river area, and other land uses by 6.0%, 12.5%, 2.2%, and 5.8%, respectively. The chi-square test revealed a significant influence of anthropogenic factors on land use change, with a p-value of 0.001. The government needs to develop an integrated land use plan and strengthen collaboration to raise public awareness and encourage sustainable land use practices through environmental education.
Influence of Urban Sprawl on Spatial-Temporal Changes Along Rupingazi Riverine Ecosystem, Embu County, Kenya Riungu, James Muthomi; Njeru, Moses Kathuri; Nkoroi, Medrine Cirindi
Journal of Geographical Sciences and Education Vol 4 No 1 (2026): Journal of Geographical Sciences and Education
Publisher : PT. Pubsains Nur Cendekia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.69606/geography.v4i1.408

Abstract

Urban sprawl refers to the unplanned expansion of urban areas, typically leading to inefficient land use and environmental degradation. This study analyzes the impact of urban sprawl on the Rupingazi River ecosystem between 1989 and 2019 using Landsat satellite imagery. Analysis of NDBI values revealed a consistent distinction between built-up and non-built-up areas, with built-up surfaces recording higher positive values across all periods. The findings show a significant transformation within Embu County. In 1989, non-built-up land and vegetation dominated the landscape at 4.7 km2 (70.47%). By 1999, this declined to 4.46 km2 (56.89%) as built-up areas expanded to 3.38 km2 (43.11%). A critical shift occurred in 2009, when built-up areas (4.58 km2; 51.93%) overtook natural cover (48.07%) for the first time. By 2019, urban surfaces reached 6.04 km2 (68.17%), leaving only 31.83% natural cover. These trends necessitate stricter zoning enforcement, riparian buffer protection, and compact development strategies. Urban planners must integrate geospatial monitoring to mitigate environmental pressure on the Rupingazi riverine ecosystem.