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GIS in support of participatory land use planning in the Districts
Keiyo & Marakwet, Kenya
Authors:, Julius Muchemi, Wangu Mwangi & Heinz Greijn
Corresponding Author: Julius G. Muchemi
(GIS-Consultant -ERMIS AFRICA,
PO 12327,Nakuru, Tel:
254-(0) 37-213323.
muchemi@ermis.co.ke
Co-authors: Wangu Mwangi & Heinz Greijn
(via SNV Kenya, P.O. Box 30776, Nairobi,
Tel: 254-(0) 2-
573656, Fax: 254-(0) 2- 573650
email:
snvkenya@africaonline.co.kor
snvkenya@net2000ke.com
Abstract:,
This paper describes how GIS has complemented processes of participatory land use
planning in parts, prone to land degradation, of the Districts Keiyo and Marakwet. The result is land
use maps that make it easier for people, organized in community rooted NGOs, to analyze the
problem of depletion of soil, water, and forest resources, to plan for improved land use and to monitor
the impact of their efforts towards improved management of the natural resources.
1. Introduction
Keiyo and Marakwet Districts are, administratively, situated in the Rift Valley Province in the
northwestern part of Kenya. Geographically, it lies between latitude 0 0 51’N to 1 0 19’N and longitude
35 0 29’E to 35 0 43’W and occupies an area of 30sq km as illustrated by figure 1. The area can be
divided into three main geographic zones, which run parallel to each other in a North-South direction
as shown in figure 1. These are: the highland plateau, which rises gradually from an altitude of 2,700
to 3,350 meters above sea level, on the Cherangany Hills. The Elgeyo Escarpment is the intermediate
zone that rapidly gives way to the Kerio Valley. The valley is situated at 1,000 m and is formed by a
narrow and long strip of approximately 80 km and by maximum 10 km wide (OP/MPND, 1991 & 2000;
Chebet and Dietz, 2000; Jeatzold and Schmdt, 1983). The variation in altitude causes considerable
differences in climatic conditions: low rainfall and high temperatures in the Kerio Valley, high rainfall
and moderate temperatures in the highlands. Rainfall distribution is highly influenced by topography.
The highlands are characterized by high bimodal rainfall figures ranging between 1,200 mm to 1,700
mm while rainfall in the escarpment ranges between 1,000 mm to 1,400 mm per year. The Kerio
Valley receives between 700 mm to 1,000 mm. However, the rainfall pattern in the valley is quite
erratic and figures as low as 220 mm per year have been recorded (MALDM/GTZ, 1994).
The problem of natural resource degradation
The natural resources in the Eastern part of Keiyo and Marakwet, characterized by a steep
escarpment, are being depleted at an alarming rate (IEA, 1998; Muchemi, 2002). Increasing
population pressure and lack of employment opportunities in other sectors force farmers to cultivate
on ever-steeper slopes. Forests are cleared to give way to farmland. The agricultural techniques are
often destructive for the soil. Too many people in Keiyo and Marakwet have persisted shifting
cultivation and free-range cattle holding. This has resulted in degradation of water sources, rampant
soil erosion, and declining soil fertility. Rainwater that used to infiltrate and feed the springs and rivers
now runs off the surface with ravaging speed. On its way, it carries fertile soil particles downwards to
the Kerio River and ultimately to the bottom of Lake Turkana, lost forever for the people of Keiyo and
Marakwet. The springs discharge lower volumes of water and the land becomes less productive
forcing the people to clear more forests and to cultivate even steeper slopes. It is a vicious cycle that
can turn the escarpment zone, which still looks very much like paradise, into a barren landscape,
many rocks, …and few people.
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