Green Transport Solutions for Developing Cities: A case study of Nairobi, Kenya

Cities have always been the loci for nationals as well as growth of cultural fusion and innovation. Over 50 per cent of global population dwells in cities and urban centers (UN, 2012). According to World Bank, the urban population including cities has been on upward trend from 2.7 billion in 1998 to 3.6 in 2011 (World Bank, 2013). Similarly, transportation continues to be used by more human beings due to upward number in the population growth. On a global scale, energy-related CO2 emissions from transport were at 23 per cent in 2004, (UNEP, 2011). This stamps cities as prolific users of natural resources and generators of waste; hence they produce most of the greenhouse gases that are causing global climate change. The root cause of increase in transport sector carbon curve is highly due to more numbers of individually owned cars. Development in these cities is geared towards economic progress while environmental sustainability is ignored. Infrastructure projects focus on road expansion, electrification and more parking spaces. However, environmental degradation is highly overlooked, join these parking lots and tarmac roads it will be a desert with no living thing. Nairobi, a city with 3.1 million people (Go K, 2009; Open Data, 2013) has had little changes in the transport system since independence. The transport sector is highly congested by vans that are controlled by private sector – matatus (mini-bus) and ferry residents in small capacities (Omwenga, 2010). These leads to more carbon emissions, traffic congestion and air pollution. Recent development plan for the city are now on road expansion with little priority on electric train solutions. At this piecemeal pace, Nairobi city will make no effort to advance as a green city. It will continue to score low on green index and sustainable livelihoods will be questionable. The vision 2030, Kenya’s development guide, has shade some light in the city with numerous road expansion projects. But this is a drop in the sea and more is left unattended too. A clear study on existing systems would provide an eye opener for vibrant projects visa avis reduce carbon curve growth. This Paper study seeks to realize the following objectives: To assess current transport situation of Nairobi To review green transport solutions being undertaken in the City To give overview of alternative green transportation solutions To provide a green transportation framework matrix Continuous similar studies will eventually lead to formulation of policies for environmental friendly transport systems in Nairobi. Teamwork efforts from Green Sun Cities (GSC), an initiative founded by environmental concerned youths, will take eight months to carry out this preliminary assessment. This preliminary study includes primary and secondary data collection. The secondary data was highly desktop research, literature, books, magazines and on-line information. These approaches provided views to be incorporated in the green transportation framework matrix of the main study report. Expected outcome is a practical green transportation system for implementation by City Council of Nairobi to reduce carbon emissions, congestion and promote environmental sustainability.