Potential of digital geoinfotechs in planning urban community settlements: the case study of Mlolongo settlement, Nairobi –Kenya

This research paper attempts
to
explore the potential
of
modern digital Geoinformation technologies (GITs)
as
alternative
tools for spatial mapping, planning and management
is
compared against the hitherto used cadastral
–
based approaches
in
Keny, and
Nairobi City settlements
in
particular. Using a case study
of
Mlolongo Township, a
ty
pical peri-urban settlement
of
Nairobi, the potential
of
GITs
is
empirically investigated
in
terms
of
cost-effectiveness, efficiency, accuracy and applicability
in
rapid spatial development
milieu. The research findings demonstrated that modern GITs; namely; Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS),
a
nd Global Positioning Systems(GPS) can offer the much needed alternative tools for comprehensive mapping and development
planning for the rapidly growing urban settlements
in
Kenya. The research indicates that, if properly harnessed, use
of
GITs can
go
along way
in
addressing and mitigating the current spatial urban development crisis currently facing the country today