FACTORS INFLUENCING POPULATION GROWTH ON THE ECONOMY OF KENYA A CASE STUDY OF NAIROBI COUNTY

Abstract

This study investigates the factors influencing population growth and its impact on the economy of Kenya, focusing on Nairobi County as a case study. The research was prompted by the increasing concern over rapid population growth in Nairobi and its associated economic implications, including strain on resources, infrastructure, employment, and service delivery. The primary objectives of the study were to identify the key determinants of population growth in Nairobi County, examine their effects on the local and national economy, and recommend practical measures to mitigate negative outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Data was gathered through structured questionnaires administered to residents, interviews with key informants including county officials and economists, and review of relevant secondary data from government reports and academic literature. Major findings revealed that rural-urban migration, high fertility rates, and declining mortality rates are the leading drivers of population growth in Nairobi. These demographic trends were found to contribute to unemployment, housing shortages, environmental degradation, and pressure on public services, thereby impeding sustainable economic development. The study recommends the implementation of comprehensive urban planning policies, increased investment in family planning and reproductive health services, promotion of decentralization to reduce rural-urban migration, and enhancement of public education on population management. In conclusion, the research underscores the urgent need for integrated policy frameworks and multi-sectoral collaboration to address population growth challenges in Nairobi County and to harness its potential for positive economic transformation. The findings contribute significantly to the discourse on urban population dynamics and economic planning in Kenya, offering valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners.