University Establishment and the Rise of Informal Settlements in Kenya: A Case of Rongo University, Migori County, Kenya

Abstract

Institutions of higher learning have been highly embraced in various parts of the world based on the important role they play in social cultural and socio-economic development. Apart from producing skilled personnel and equipping individuals with knowledge, competence and building capacity of individuals, universities are also job creators besides offering a wide range of business opportunities in areas they are established. Further, universities are instrumental in stimulating infrastructural development which act as a magnet in attracting people from far and wide for settlement to conduct business or investment. Owing to the rapid expansion in settlements with the risk of inadequate planning, consequently, the localities where they are established have been characterized with development of informal settlements to meet the need of the rising population. Therefore, this study sought to determine the influence of universities in the development of informal settlement with particular reference to the establishment of Rongo University in Rongo Sub-County, Migori County, Kenya. This study relied on the analyses of Landsat images before and after establishment of Rongo University for comparison purposes. The images of North Kanyajuok Sub-Location in Rongo Sub-County were retrieved. The study considered the Landsat images of 2010 before the establishment of Rongo University and 2013, immediately after the establishment and 2017/2018 period during which the university has been operational for some time. The findings of the study showed that there had been rapid change from natural to built-up environment. The study has also established that Kitere shopping centre has witnessed a sudden transformation from a small open centre prior to the establishment of Rongo University to a major slum settlement characterized by haphazard development of housing and a mixed up of dilapidating structures, including high rise buildings, and single floored structures. The study concludes that the establishment of Rongo University has had a significant influence in the development of informal settlement or slums in its areas of jurisdiction. It is therefore imperative that university establishment be underpinned by appropriate policies and legislation which regulate urban/town development triggered by higher learning institutions such as university to address negative externalities such as creation of slums.