Landuse and Landcover Changes in Eldoret Municipality, Kenya

This study examined land use and land cover types, the nature of changes and environmental impacts in Eldoret Municipality for the periods 1973, 1985 and 1993. The objectives of the study are: to map the land use and land cover types in Eldoret municipal; to examine the extent, nature and intensity of land use changes; to examine the environmental impacts arising from them. The methods used in data collection are; interpretation of remotely sensed aerial photographs, observation, field survey and review of literature. The findings show environmental problems related to land use and land cover changes are: encroachment on agricultural land, deforestation, encroachment on wetlands, modification of micro-climate and surface hydrology, congestion and overcrowding, settlement on unsuitable sites and water pollution. A number of strategies to minimize the problem caused by land use and land cover changes include: protection of sensitive land resources and encourage sustainable urban development.