ABSTRACT
Rapid urbanization in the East African region has seen urban areas expand into hitherto rural areas, disrupting livelihood activities. In the case study area, however, the process has contributed to problems such as: pollution, land conflicts, environmental degradation, growth illegal settlements, and slums among others. Data collection was undertaken using a mixed approach that was largely qualitative. The case study area is comprised of a quickly developing corridor located largely in Mavoko sub-county, Machakos County. The results pointed to uncertainty of property ownership, rapid subdivision, and encroachment into farm and ranch lands. The study concluded that there is need to rethink responsible land management at the urban fringe associated with, among others, planning failure, failure in land management, and lack of capacity. Thus, there will be need to bring to focus key components of responsible land management, particularly those that include involving key stakeholders in the process that are central to effective and responsible land management.
