Impacts of Urban Decay on Makongeni Phase 5 Estate, Thika Municipality

Urban decay continues to be a major hindrance to the realization of sustainable urbanization globally. The challenge has been witnessed in major cities, medium and small urban areas and has affected parts or whole of urban areas. Thika Municipality in Kiambu County has experienced the challenge in some estates which includes Makongeni Phase 5. The purpose of this study was to reveal the impacts of urban decay in Makongeni Phase 5. The researcher engaged Thika Municipal Manager, Thika Sub-County Physical Planner and the Environment Officer in a focused interview. From a population of 242 plots, a sample size of 100 respondents was targeted and 82 were interviewed. In addition, observation was applied in assessing the impacts of urban decay through observable characteristics which were used in making comparisons with neighbouring estates. Among the impacts identified, environmental degradation was ranked highest at a score of 3.44 on a five-point Likert scale. Inversely, population loss was the least significant impact at a score of 2.17. In examining the effects of urban decay, marginalization was the most significant at a score of 3.5488 representing marginalization (28.45%) of the cumulative effects of urban decay. Urban decay was also identified to contribute to the vulnerability of the neighbourhood to disasters and impacts of climate change. Poor economic performance was the least significant effect at a score of 2.7561 representing 22.1%. The study revealed an increase in social problems manifested through insecurity, inadequacy of social services and lack of job opportunities. A strong community structure has been identified as a critical element in the management of urban decay. To manage the decay, the study has recommended improvement of the neighbourhood through renewal of the buildings and grooming of the environment by individual plot owners. In addition, a stronger community structure is recommended to help in managing security and lobbying for government intervention in the neighbourhood