Modal-Shift Strategy For Mitigating Road Traffic Congestion In Nairobi: A Study Of The Nairobi- Syokimau Commuter Rail Corridor

Abstract

Kenya aspires to become a prosperous industrializing middle income country (Kenya Vision 2030) and for this vision to be realized, efficient transport infrastructure and services must be developed. A properly planned and efficiently operated urban rail transit system holds the promise of making an immense economic contribution to this vision. The fiscal cost of traffic jams in Nairobi and its environs is estimated at Kshs. 57 million per day, taking into consideration the cost of additional time spent on travel due to congestion. This poses a continuing challenge to the achievement of the country’s vision. A mass transit system through commuter rail service is increasingly appealing as a solution to this problem. However, despite numerous studies indicating overwhelming demand for convenient, efficient and decent commuter rail services within the Nairobi metropolitan region (Wahome, 2013), post-commissioning anecdotal evidence on the newly commissioned Nairobi- Syokimau route reveals continued low utilization of rail transport as a mode choice. This study sought to apply travel demand theory to comprehensively analyze factors underpinning the low utilization of Nairobi Commuter Rail services as a travel mode choice following the recent development and upgrading of the urban rail transit system. The study was conducted within the catchment areas of the three newly built railway stations along the Nairobi- Syokimau corridor. These are: Syokimau, Imara Daima and Makadara Railway Stations. Descriptive research design was used. Collection of data was done through survey technique and analyzed using Chi-square, Spearman’s correlation and linear regression techniques as well as Mann Whitney U-test. The data was presented in appropriate figures and tables. Results showed that money cost savings and journey time had a direct influence on utilization of NCR. Distance to train station was inversely related to utilization of the NCR as a mode choice. Factors like typical daily activities were influential in determining demand for NCR as the utility of the train service was evaluated against the need to fulfill other household or recreational needs. Perceived image of rail transit system had a direct influence on the utilization of NCR. Service quality features of importance to commuters included less crowding and having a seat. Socio-demographic factors had no influence on the utilization of NCR. It was recommended that KRC should increase the frequency of trips of its rolling stock and review its schedules. KRC should address the problem of poor perceived service quality especially targeting private car owners through a concerted public relations campaign and image management tactics focusing on the benefits of NCR v to commuters. Furthermore, KRC should consider offering incentives to motorists and groups such as employers to encourage them to utilize NCR. Providing feeder services will increase ease of access as well as convenience for commuters thereby serving to increase patronage of the commuter train service. Traction technology should be introduced in the long term to increase train speeds and passenger capacity. KRC should take measures to attract strategic investors who can set up recreational, entertainment and shopping malls in both beginning and destination stations