The Pattern of Expansion of Urban Residential in Eldoret Municipality, Kenya

Population in Eldoret Municipality has grown rapidly resulting in pressure on infrastructural facilities. The aim of this research was to identify the factors that have contributed to urban residential expansion in Eldoret town. The research was carried out in Kapsoya, Pioneer and Kipkaren estates. The pattern of residential expansion was identified and mapped using remotely sensed data. The analysis involved spatial changes where Geographical information system (GIS) and Remote Sensing were used to interpret the changes besides SPSS statistical software. Areas under residential land for the years 1979 to 1989 and 1989 to 2006 and percentage increased were computed. Between 1979-1989 findings shows increases of 121.2% in Kapsoya and 149.8% in Pioneer. This study concludes that Population growth is the leading contributor towards residential development. There is need for affordable housing programmes by the government.