Effect of Urbanization on soil characteristics and river water quality

Urbanization refers to general increase in population and the amount of industrialization of a settlement. It includes increase in the number and extent of cities. It symbolizes the movement of people from rural to urban areas. Urbanization happens because of the increase in the extent and density of urban areas. Due to uncontrolled urbanization in Kenya, environmental degradation has been occurring very rapidly and causing many problems like land insecurity, worsening water quality, excessive air pollution, noise and the problems of waste disposal. This paper emphasizes on the effect of urbanization on soil physical and chemical components mainly ph, organic carbon, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, nitrogen, phosphorous and water resources. A case study of urbanization in Kenya and its metropolitan city Nairobi was carried out and the collected samples analyzed at the University of Nairobi, Upper Kabete campus leading to conclude on the existing causes of damage to the soil due to urbanization and preventive measures to keep a check on them. Urbanization has to proceeds in the right path causing minimum impact on soil and water quality.