The Effect of Changes in Land Use Characteristics on Accessibility in the Suburbs of Kisumu City, Kenya.

Abstract

Globally, studies on the influence of density, transport costs and modal splits in the suburbs have yielded conflicting results indicating the need for more studies. Studies have also shown that the extent to which residential location relates to modal split in the suburbs has not been fully established. There has also been varying conclusions on transport costs between the residential areas and employment zones in them. Most African city suburbs are charaterised by high population densities with uncontrolled land use mix but little is known on influence of density on accessibility in them. The suburbs in Kisumu city experiences high population densities and continued land use mix creating complex movement patterns. However, little is still known on how these changes influences time to destinations and the relationships between residential location and modal split and cost of transport to work. The objectives of this study were to: assess the influence of density on travel time; determine the relationship between residential location and modal split and; examine the relationship between work place location and transport cost in Kisumu city suburbs. This study adopted tringulation mixed method design and covered three suburbs namely: Otonglo, Mamboleo and Nyamasaria within Kisumu City. Thestudy population comprised 9604 households out of which a sample of 370 was drawn and interviewed. The survey instruments used included questionnaires, focus group discussions guides, interviews schedules, land use maps and photography. Secondary data was collected from published and unpublished reports. Data was analysed using both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The study revealed that increasing density increases travel time to destinations while residential locations do not depend on modal split but house ownership and rents in the suburbs. There is also no positive relationship between workplace location and transport costs. It was concluded that density inhibits accessibility and modal split do not influence accessibility to residential location while transport cost is minimal but in the form of discomfort and fare charges. The study recommends the need for control of density and adoption of balanced mixed use through zoning and promotion of the use of single occupancy means of transport. The existing policies guiding land use and transport relationships should be implemented while minimizing dependency on particular means of transport. Designate employment zones in the most accessible manner. Further studies should be conducted on place accessibility while applying other accessibility measures as network analysis and automated GIS land use modeling systems.