Evaluating the Significance of Car-Free Streets in Developing Countries: The case of Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Central Business Districts (CBDs) in developing countries continue to experience adverse effects of automobile dominance but most car-free initiatives are concentrated in developed countries. This study evaluates the significance of car-free streets in developing countries by evaluating perceptions of street users and the priorities of key decision makers in Nairobi, Kenya. Based on structured interviews, the results indicate differences in perceptions towards safety comfort and connectivity in varying traffic conditions. From in-depth interviews, it is clear that decision makers have focused on smooth flow and parking of automobiles, order, and security of adjacent premises while side-lining the affairs of pedestrians.Keywords: Car-free; pedestrians; livability; StreeteISSN 2398-4295 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.