Use of photo-elicitation interviews to explore urban landscape identity in the context of urban renewal changes, a case of Kisumu City, Kenya

Abstract

Photo-elicitation interviews (PEIs) have been used in landscape studies with the aim of eliciting participant opinions through memories and feelings associated with images. PEI was used in this study to identify and discuss the main aspects that constitute the formation of the urban landscape identity of Kisumu City, Kenya. A total of 12 participants were purposively selected based on professions, sex and age, availability, and willingness to participate. The aim of this study was to elicit resident opinions about ongoing and completed urban renewal projects within Kisumu City, Kenya. First, the participants were asked which photos represented the city identity and contributed to its image. The responses were categorised under physical, sociocultural, and economic aspects. They were also expected to comment on the outcome of the ongoing and completed upgrading within the central business district of the city. The researcher took 28 photos of the various features within Kisumu City for discussion. PEI was used as a method to collect data in addition to other methods such as surveys whose findings have been presented in other papers. The findings revealed that Lake Victoria and its scenery were important both as a natural feature of the physical environment and for sociocultural contribution to the image of Kisumu City. Other features identified for both of these aspects were parks and public buildings within the city. The meaning aspect was also associated with these features with varying strengths. The vast majority of the participants were satisfied with the new look of Kisumu City, especially the revamped streets after the renewal projects.