National Spatial Plan 2015-2045: an Integrated Spatial Plan for Balanced and Sustainable National Development

Abstract

This National Spatial Plan is the first of its kind in the history of Kenya. The Plan is a strategic vision that defines the general trend and direction of spatial development for the country, covering the entire forty seven counties and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). It is a long term Plan spanning a period of thirty (30) years with 10 year periodical reviews. The preparation of the National Spatial Plan is recommended under Kenya Vision 2030 as a flagship project. under the Infrastructure Services section it has been identified as one of the foundations for socio-economic transformation. The purpose of the National Spatial Plan is to provide a national spatial structure that defines how the national space is utilized to ensure optimal and sustainable use of land. This is imperative as it will facilitate the achievement of the land policy principles of efficiency, equity, sustainability and productivity. The Plan is anticipated to promote the attainment of national, social, economic and environmental goals and objectives. Further, the Plan provides strategies and policies to deal with national challenges including urbanization, regional imbalances/inequalities, rural development, environmental degradation, transportation and underutilization of the massive resources available in the country. In Kenya the emphasis has hitherto been on economic planning with little or no regard for spatial/physical planning. This major disconnect has led to uncoordinated and unguided development resulting not only in duplication of efforts but also in resource wastage and unbalanced development. The Plan will thus provide a spatial framework upon which the various sectoral plans and policies will be anchored. The Plan as a broad Physical Planning framework shall provide physical planning policies to support economic and sectoral planning and also guide the preparation of regional, county and local physical development plans.