Elsevier

Cities

Traffic pollution: A search for solutions for a urban center like Nairobi

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Highlights

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Rapid urbanization in developing countries oft causes motorization proliferation.

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The links between urbanization, motorization and air pollution are explored.

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Nairobi, Kenya is used as example study city for Eastward Africa.

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Resolution of congestion is primal to amelioration of traffic-related air pollution.

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Solutions involve infrastructure, policy, regulation and softer actions.

Abstract

Congestion and traffic-related pollution are typically the largest contributors to air pollution in cities. Rapid urbanization in developing countries has acquired big-scale proliferation in motor vehicle utilise making cities increasingly congested and, afterwards, 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 await at the specific instance of Nairobi equally it searches for solutions to the negative impacts of pollution through a lens which sees resolution of congestion effects as fundamental to amelioration of traffic-related air pollution. It suggests that a combination of infrastructure, policy, regulatory and softer measures may provide the most effective mode 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 ecology 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 Eastward African region, which often share similar traits of congestion and traffic related pollution.

Keywords

Traffic pollution

Air pollution

Developing countries

Kenya

Nairobi

Eastward Africa

Sustainable ship

© 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.