Traffic pollution: A search for solutions for a city like Nairobi

Fiona Rajé,Miles Tight,Francis D. Pope

doi:10.1016/j.cities.2018.05.008

Abstract

Congestion and traffic-related pollution are typically the largest contributors to air pollution in cities. Rapid urbanization in developing countries has caused large-scale proliferation in motor vehicle use making cities increasingly congested and, subsequently, polluted. There is a growing awareness that the air quality status quo in East African cities is unacceptable. This paper uses the case of Nairobi, Kenya to discuss current traffic pollution challenges and how they may be addressed. The paper begins with an overview of urbanization and pollution effects. It goes on to look at the specific case of Nairobi as it searches for solutions to the negative impacts of pollution through a lens which sees resolution of congestion effects as key to amelioration of traffic-related air pollution. It suggests that a combination of infrastructure, policy, regulatory and softer measures may provide the most effective way to address traffic congestion and, thus, traffic pollution. In addition, the paper highlights the need for further research into the lived experience of negotiating daily life in Nairobi, as well as further exploration of the social, economic and environmental feasibility of potential solutions for the city. While Nairobi is used as the case study city, the lessons learned are generalized for cities in the East African region, which often share similar traits of congestion and traffic related pollution.

Highlights

Cities have been central to human development (Riffat, Powell, & Aydin, 2016) and to advanced civilization's concept of cultural and economic accomplishment (Droege, 2008)
The paper is largely based on a desk review which is informed by personal experience. It begins with a discussion of traffic pollution in developing countries and cities and goes on to look at the case of Nairobi, Kenya in East Africa
With burgeoning challenges posed by congestion in East African cities, it is important that ideas around congestion reduction are explored further to determine their potential and viability for these cities

Summary

Introduction

Cities have been central to human development (Riffat, Powell, & Aydin, 2016) and to advanced civilization's concept of cultural and economic accomplishment (Droege, 2008). In emerging and developing economies, the rapid convergence of people on cities supplies human resources which contribute to potential economic growth and intensifies the strain on already vulnerable resources such as land, water, housing and other infrastructure such as transport. This paper concentrates on the impacts of traffic-related pollution on people in developing country cities, with a focus on Nairobi, and the ways in which such effects may be viably addressed to improve the sustainability of urban areas for residents and visitors, the environment and the economy. The paper is largely based on a desk review which is informed by personal experience It begins with a discussion of traffic pollution in developing countries and cities and goes on to look at the case of Nairobi, Kenya in East Africa.

Background

The case of Nairobi

Overview

Current infrastructure changes

Current policy and regulation

What else could be done?

The case for holistic planning

Future research

Findings

Conclusion