Rural-urban interlink and sustainability of urban centres in Kenya; a case of Malaba town

Abstract

This paper disseminates research findings on rural urban interlink and sustainability of urban centres in Kenya as based on a study undertaken in Malaba a border town to the western part of Kenya. The significance of the paper lies in the fact that it articulates key aspects that influence rural urban interlink on the one hand, and sustainability of urban areas on the other. The study aimed to identify and examine the interlink that exists between rural and urban centres, assess the effects of the linkage on the sustainability of urban centres, examine the challenges in enhancing rural-urban interlink for sustainability of urban centres, and suggest the appropriate ways of sustaining rural –urban interlink. Arising from the synthesis of the findings, it emerged clearly that both rural and urban areas equally play an instrumental role in the sustainability of each other. It was established that the functions played by each locality is what determines the nature of interlink and reliability. For instance rural areas as engines of agricultural development; produce and are the main suppliers of food and other agro based raw materials used in industrial and commercial functions in the urban areas. Equally, urban areas are instrumental in the provision of basic necessities including economic, social, and political amenities relied upon by the rural areas. In strengthening the relationship between the two areas, the significance of infrastructural base cannot be underestimated. The paper concludes by noting that sustainability of urban centres in Kenya as based on rural urban interlink is only realistic if both entities (Rural and urban areas) are strengthened especially in the aspects of infrastructure (roads, electricity, and communication), Planning and political institutional frameworks. Finally as we strengthen the positive attributes arising from the interlink, we need also to appreciate the negative elements that to some extent jeopardizes the linkage. The paper therefore calls for harmonious planning that integrates both the needs of the urban and rural areas so as to address the aspects that arise out of isolated planning favouring either of the localities