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Population Density and Spatial Patterns of Informal Settlements in Nairobi, Kenya

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  • Hang Ren

    (Center of African Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, China
    School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China)

  • Wei Guo

    (Department of Social Work and Social Policy, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China)

  • Zhenke Zhang

    (Center of African Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, China
    School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China)

  • Leonard Musyoka Kisovi

    (Department of Geography, Kenyatta University, Nairobi 43844, Kenya)

  • Priyanko Das

    (Center of African Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, China
    School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China)

Abstract

The widespread informal settlements in Nairobi have interested many researchers and urban policymakers. Reasonable planning of urban density is the key to sustainable development. By using the spatial population data of 2000, 2010, and 2020, this study aims to explore the changes in population density and spatial patterns of informal settlements in Nairobi. The result of spatial correlation analysis shows that the informal settlements are the centers of population growth and agglomeration and are mostly distributed in the belts of 4 and 8 km from Nairobi’s central business district (CBD). A series of population density models in Nairobi were examined; it showed that the correlation between population density and distance to CBD was positive within a 4 km area, while for areas outside 8 km, they were negatively related. The factors determining population density distribution are also discussed. We argue that where people choose to settle is a decision process between the expected benefits and the cost of living; the informal settlements around the 4-km belt in Nairobi has become the choice for most poor people. This paper ends with suggestions for urban planning and upgrading informal settlements. The findings will increase our understanding of urban population distribution in underdeveloped countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Hang Ren & Wei Guo & Zhenke Zhang & Leonard Musyoka Kisovi & Priyanko Das, 2020. "Population Density and Spatial Patterns of Informal Settlements in Nairobi, Kenya," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-14, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:18:p:7717-:d:415438
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    2. Moses Kirimi & James K. Gitau & Ruth Mendum & Catherine Muthuri & Mary Njenga, 2023. "Cleaner Cooking with Charcoal in Kibera Informal Settlement in Nairobi, Kenya, and Its Implications for Livelihoods and the Environment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-17, September.
    3. Jian Feng & Yanguang Chen, 2021. "Modeling Urban Growth and Socio-Spatial Dynamics of Hangzhou, China: 1964–2010," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-25, January.
    4. MacTavish, Robert & Bixby, Honor & Cavanaugh, Alicia & Agyei-Mensah, Samuel & Bawah, Ayaga & Owusu, George & Ezzati, Majid & Arku, Raphael & Robinson, Brian & Schmidt, Alexandra M. & Baumgartner, Jill, 2023. "Identifying deprived “slum” neighbourhoods in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area of Ghana using census and remote sensing data," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    5. Shengnan Jiang & Guoen Wei & Zhenke Zhang & Yue Wang & Minghui Xu & Qing Wang & Priyanko Das & Binglin Liu, 2020. "Detecting the Dynamics of Urban Growth in Africa Using DMSP/OLS Nighttime Light Data," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(1), pages 1-19, December.
    6. Pius Kirui & Samson Oiro & Hunja Waithaka & Patroba Odera & Björn Riedel & Markus Gerke, 2022. "Detection, characterization, and analysis of land subsidence in Nairobi using InSAR," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 113(1), pages 213-236, August.

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