Integrated Mobility Options for Sustainable Urban Development in Ahero Town

Abstract

The rapid and unplanned growth of urban areas has resulted in informal expansion, leading to congestion, pollution, segregation, urban poverty, and social exclusion. This study focuses on Ahero Town in Kisumu County, which faces challenges due to a growing population and limited road space for transportation. The research seeks to comprehend how the interconnection of various mobility options contributes to the advancement of sustainable urban development within this particular setting. To achieve this, the study pursued specific objectives: mapping existing land use, assessing mobility system characteristics, identifying obstacles to integrated mobility, and exploring strategies for mobility improvement in Ahero Town. Employing a cross-sectional design, both qualitative and quantitative methods were used, involving purposive and stratified sampling of 80 road users and interviews with 4 key informants including the Physical Planner, KeNHA Engineer, KeRRA Engineer, and Traffic Officer. The findings reveal a pedestrian-dominated population (44%) with cyclists accounting for 21%. The town’s land use is diverse, with agriculture (43.36%) being prominent, followed by residential (39.14%) and transportation (9.15%). The main route is the Kisumu-Kericho Highway, serving as the backbone for internal roads. While other roads are murram roads maintained by both KeRRA and County Government of Kisumu. Limited space for both motorized and non-motorized transport systems lead to accidents and high greenhouse gas emissions. Business/work-related trips are the common trips with 59% taking over 15 minutes to reach destinations, and boda-boda riders are more exposed to accidents. Mobility barriers include; limited/lack of financial resources, limitation of existing infrastructure, changing behavior patterns, land use and zoning regulations, data and technological capabilities. Tuesday and Friday are the most difficult days to operate in Ahero town due to market days that draws a larger population of business people. Implementing integrated mobility strategies is thus a pivotal for fostering sustainable urban development, ensuring equitable transportation access, and promoting social inclusion. Recommendations include improving public transportation, establishing dedicated walking and cycling infrastructure, and creating car-free zones. By addressing these challenges, Ahero Town and the upcoming towns within the country can work towards a more balanced, sustainable and eco-friendly urban areas.