Balancing Growth and Sustainability: Rethinking County Land Use in Kenya

As Kenya accelerates toward its Vision 2030 ambitions, counties face a pivotal question: how can they fuel economic growth and urban expansion while safeguarding natural resources for future generations?

Rapid urbanization is reshaping counties such as Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nakuru into thriving hubs of commerce and opportunity. Yet, unchecked development risks degrading ecosystems, intensifying climate vulnerabilities, and straining already fragile infrastructure. At Lybrae Spatial Solutions, we believe counties can strike a harmonious balance between growth and sustainability—through innovative, inclusive, and data-driven land-use planning.

The Urban Boom and Its Challenges

With devolution empowering local governments, counties are driving Kenya’s transformation through infrastructure investments, industrial clusters, and housing projects. However, this growth is unevenly matched with environmental safeguards.

• Deforestation in Narok,

• wetland encroachment in Kisumu, and

• coastal flooding in Mombasa

illustrate the trade-offs counties grapple with.

The consequences of poor land-use planning are stark: loss of arable land, ecosystem collapse, climate-driven migration, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Kenya’s National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) warns that climate risks threaten food security, livelihoods, and economic stability. Counties therefore cannot afford “business-as-usual”—they must rethink how land is allocated and developed.

A New Vision for County Land Use

At Lybrae, we champion a transformative planning model that makes land-use strategies both economically viable and environmentally sustainable. Our approach integrates advanced technology, participatory engagement, and evidence-based frameworks to create resilient, future-ready counties.

1. Data-Driven Decision MakingUsing GIS mapping, satellite imagery, and predictive climate models, we provide counties with the evidence they need to make informed choices. In flood-prone Busia, for example, our assessments identify safe growth zones while preserving wetlands that act as natural buffers.

2. Prioritizing Green InfrastructureWe embed nature-based solutions into county plans. From green corridors in Eldoret to reforestation in Kitui, our strategies integrate natural assets into the urban fabric. Urban forests, green roofs, and permeable pavements mitigate flood risks while improving air quality and enhancing liveability.

3. Inclusive Stakeholder EngagementOur participatory model ensures all voices are heard. In Laikipia, where land disputes intersect with pastoralist needs and commercial pressures, we facilitated inclusive forums to reconcile competing interests—building ownership and equity into the planning process.

4. Aligning with National and Global FrameworksWe ensure county plans contribute to Vision 2030, NCCAP, and the SDGs, while aligning with the Paris Climate Agreement. Whether zoning drought-resilient agriculture in Machakos or protecting coastal assets in Kilifi, our work bridges county-level priorities with national and global sustainability goals.

Priorities in County Land-Use Planning

Success Stories: Counties Leading the Way

• Nakuru: Innovative zoning has preserved Lake Nakuru’s ecosystem while strengthening tourism.

• Kiambu: Mixed-use planning has curbed sprawl, delivered affordable housing, and created green spaces that improve quality of life.

• Busia: Climate-informed drainage planning reduced flooding impacts in vulnerable settlements.

At Lybrae, we have been at the forefront of these successes—helping counties craft land-use plans that unlock prosperity while protecting natural heritage.

The Path Forward

Rethinking county land use is no longer optional—it is a national imperative. Counties must resist short-term pressures and embrace long-term resilience. With data-driven insights, climate-smart infrastructure, and inclusive processes, Kenya’s counties can become global models of sustainable urbanization.

At Lybrae Spatial Solutions, we are more than planners—we are partners in building thriving, future-proof counties. Our proven expertise positions us as the go-to advisor for counties ready to balance growth and sustainability.

Ready to reimagine your county’s future? Let’s design a land-use strategy that delivers prosperity while protecting Kenya’s most valuable resource—its land.