Figure 3-2 – Wote Spatial Strategy for Economic Development

Figure 3-2 – Wote Spatial Strategy for Economic Development

Source: Atkins, 2022 Kwa Kathoka

(similar to Kalamba and Kathonzweni)

3.4.1 Focus Area 1: Wote CBD

Wote Town is the largest urban centre in the Municipality and has developed as a County headquarters and administrative centre. People from across the County visit to take advantage of urban services such as the Makueni Referral Hospital; banks and other financial institutions; markets such as the fresh fruit and vegetable markets and the County chicken market; Government institutions; and tertiary education facilities.

Wote Town is reliant on agricultural-related activities due to its rich agricultural hinterland. Other light industry and economic activities such as mining of sand from the River Kaiti, Jua-kali and informal services, such as boda boda businesses, operate within the township.

There are a number of challenges facing the CBD that are preventing optimal economic and sustainable development, these include:

> Significant traffic congestion in the town, particularly around the bus park adjacent to the B107 (previously C99). > Poor market infrastructure serving the Jua-kali sector, leading to competing uses and a lack of accessibility to market sites. > Lack of suitable infrastructure provision to existing housing stock and a lack of adequate and affordable housing supply. > Pollution affecting the amenity of valuable natural assets, such as the River Kaiti. > Lack of NMT provision, which results in a disconnected centre and lack of flow throughout the town. > Limited and marginalised open space provision and connected public realm network.

Development is focused on several nodes in the CBD to address the challenges stated above as well as to capitalise on the opportunities presented within the centre. Development nodes are numbered as Anchor Projects 1, 2, and 3 shown below: