Strategic planning for urban sustainable development: Challenges and opportunities facing selected towns in Western Kenya

The rapid increase in urban populations in Kenya has awakened development partners to consider their sustainability. Sustainable development principles are hinged on the principles; economically viability, social acceptability and environmental friendly developments. To achieve sustainable development of urban towns, there is need to develop strategic development plans and digital mapping. This paper will discuss challenges facing selected Kenyan towns in developing strategic urban development and digital mapping. The paper will provide some recommendations towards achieving sustainable development. The objectives of the study are to identify planning and development challenges facing middle level towns in Kenya and how they can be urbanised through establishing digital maps and strategic plans. The paper utilizes data collected from two urban towns in Kenya namely; Eldoret and Busia. Data was collected using household schedules, observation and interviews from a sample of 505 households and forty key informants. Some of the challenges identified by respondents include; lack/high demand for land, unplanned/uncontrolled development, rapid increase in population, solid waste and waste water disposal. The paper recommends the integration of sustainable development principles into urban policy and laws. Digital mapping and strategic development plans should be promoted to facilitated ease of information to development partners and reduce urban squalid conditions.