The Nature, Extent and Intensity of Land Use and Land Covers Change and Its Implications on Fringe Development in Eldoret

In the rapidly growing urban areas of the developing countries, land use activities are changing at unprecedented rates. These continuous changes have resulted in the degradation of environmentally fragile resources, occupation of hazard-prone areas, loss of cultural resources, open space and prime agricultural land and excessive urban sprawl. This paper seeks to investigate the nature and extent of land use and land cover changes. The study was carried out in Eldoret Municipality, Land use and land cover data of Eldoret Municipality were interpreted for a 20-year time period from aerial photographs taken in 1973, 1985 and 1993. Each set of photographs was first assembled for pre-view so as to prepare a temporary classification system as well as assess the quality of the photographs. The study draws a conclusion that the built-up environment has generally increased. This refers to the land under commercial, industrial, institutions and residential facilities. The major explanation for this is the growth of urban population. This analysis is expected to promote environmental quality of the study area and also guide the land use planners in the study area. The information obtained can also be applied to other urban areas with similar environmental problems