An Assessment of the Socio-economic Effect of Urban Sprawl on Household’s Livelihood in Siaya Town, Kenya

Urban sprawl is a worldwide phenomenon that is experienced in both developed and developing countries. Increasing demand for land in towns due to urban development globally has compelled cities to expand into their rural fringes to cater for space for urban development, and has consequences on inhabitants and the immediate physical environment that is associated with social and economic challenges. Population growth and economic considerations, environmental priorities, technical advancement and strategies have been the core causes of urban sprawl. To solve these problems, plans and strategies need to be put in place to overcome urban sprawl uncertainties. The objective of the study was to examine the socio-economic effects of urban sprawl on households’ livelihood in Siaya town. The study employed a mixed-method design. The sample size used consisted of 371 household heads from the target population of 11,192 using the Krejcie and Morgan formula and table (1970). The data sources were questionnaires, key informants, focus group discussions, observation and photography. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. The frequencies and percentages were used to present data using tables, pie charts, bar graphs and photographs. The factor analysis revealed a strong correlation between independent and dependent variables above 0.984 or 90% on average. KMO and Bartlett's tests were significant at 0.884. In conclusion, the study revealed the finding that urban sprawl is attributed to diminishing household livelihoods in low-income households, influencing the socioeconomic status of the households. The study recommended copying strategies such as Smart growth, intensification of agriculture and diversification of the economy. The findings may be used by developers and planners at both county and national governments to curb the negative effects of urban sprawl.