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
