Policy Objective
To promote an integrated approach to spatial and development planning to improve service delivery to citizens.

Policy Measures
a) Deepen the development planning system to be responsive to cross-cutting development themes such as climate change and SDGs.
The current development planning framework will be reviewed in the light of LI 2232 to establish the gaps towards development of appropriate tools such as manuals and guidelines aimed at strengthening the planning systems and capacity at the regional, district and sub-district levels. This will also seek to address the development issues in both urban and rural areas to build the needed synergies as well as integrate government’s flagship initiatives, Local Economic Development, SDGs, climate change and waste and environmental issues among others. The link between District Medium Term Development Plans (DMTDPs) and Spatial Plans will be strengthened with development of
appropriate tools for implementation.

b) Improve spatial planning to be responsive to urban and rural development needs.

The development and implementation of spatial plans at both the regional and district levels will be given the needed attention, in addition to strengthening the Physical Planning Departments. Spatial Development Frameworks will be developed and implemented for the remaining regions starting with the new regions to enhance coordinated inter-district planning. Districts will be assisted to develop local plans which will include the street addressing system and national digital addresses for the development of spatial and fiscal databases to boost revenue mobilisation across the country. LUSPA will be assisted to review planning guidelines, develop appropriate manuals and quality control protocols to assure quality spatial planning throughout the country.

c) Improve institutional arrangements for decentralised planning.

Institutional responsibilities related to planning functions are fragmented at the national levels. An assessment will be conducted on the planning approaches at the regional and district levels and the outcome used to inform a harmonised and coordinated approach. These will include the linkages between MLGRD and MESTI in respect of spatial planning linked to urban and rural development; coordination between NDPC and LUSPA on the convergence of spatial and development plans; and cooperation among Regional Development Authorities, RCCs and DAs. Specific support will be targeted at ensuring that spatial planning committees at the regional and district levels are
functional and equipped with the requisite skills to execute their mandate.