Illegal Development in the Face of Planned Komarok Housing Program in Nairobi.

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ABSTRACT

In the research factors that could lead to development within an originally planned neighborhood of both illegal and informal built environment are identified and their causes discussed. This paper shall argue that most of the housing developments that are currently being witnessed within the planned face of Komarok housing estate are informal and thus illegal. The paper shall seek to argue that in spite of their character, they are an important part of urbanism and that should be recognized. Data for the paper was collected from Komarok. This is a middle level density housing that is located on the outskirts of Nairobi to the east. It is a tenant purchase housing program. The average population of the place is about 15 000.

Initial the objective of the developers, which was the Housing Finance Company of Kenya (HFCK) was to provide affordable housing program. The targeted population was the middle class, a disappearing group in Kenya. In order that the objective would be achieved several measures were taken. There were housing blocks where some of the building elements, for example the fascia board were left out. Later on whenever resources would be available, the buyer would add the missing elements. There would be a gradual improvement in the quality of the house. There are cases where room has been left for future addition of family room. The average plot size for a three bedroomed dwelling blocks would be approximately 8 x 16 square meters. Corner plots or those that are strategically located measure more than this size. Housing types are a combination of linear and courtyard typology. These are a mixture of both single storeyed and low rise blocks.

Since its inception, this neighborhood has witnessed a rise in densification. This is more than was originally planned for. Single plots are accommodating high rise blocks with some rising to four floors. The case is is more acute at the corner plots. There is more room to maneuver the typology.

Increase in unplanned densification has resulted in development of several kinds. Firstly, there is an increase in lack of security. Secondly, most building are both environmentally and structurally unsafe. There are building plans that have not yet been approved by the local council. Also, the some of the additions have failed to take cognizance of environmental requirements. Thirdly, haphazard developments have introduced chaos in the resulting environment. And fourthly, there is an increase in the demand for services and infrastructure than was originally planned.

In order to curb the development in the neighborhood, members of the community came together to form Komarok Residents Association (KRA}. The association should bring together all the residents of the neighborhood. A group of elected officials from among the community members run the day to day activities association. In terms of its objectives very little has been realized. Several can be attributed to the development. First is the lack of co-operation from the residents. Second is the lack of means of enforcing some of the resolutions by the community This research proposes that for the towns that are found in the south, the two missing aspects of community participation are important in their positive development.

ESF/N-AERUS: International workshop - Leuven and Brussels, Belgium, 23-26 May 2001

N-AERUS: Network-Association of European Researchers on Urbanisation in the South
http://www.naerus.net