Assessment of Non-motorized Transport & Its Implications on Urban Land Uses. A Case Study of Kitengela Township

Abstract

Non-motorized transport (NMT) is a mode of transport that offers efficient, cheap, safe and convenient mobility. Encouraging use of NMT reduces reliance on use of vehicles thus reducing challenges facing the world through emissions and traffic snarl ups. Major streets in Kitengela are not planned to accommodate NMT as a mode of transport. This street designs focuses on vehicular mobility and less concern on safety and mobility of NMT thus poses a great challenge on urban mobility. There is need to plan for NMT by allocating more space and being entirely focusing on those who walk and cycle along urban areas. This research aimed at assessing Non-Motorized transport provision, usage and its implications on urban land use. The study further assessed the existing Non-Motorized transport modes and facilities within Kitengela township, their challenges and opportunities. Assessment of various urban land use that is currently in Kitengela township was done and further analyze the Non-Motorized transport interactions and conflicts with land use. The planning interventions to ensure safe, sufficient and seamless Non- Motorized transport mobility in Kitengela township will be determined. The research targeted a sample of 120 traders and business premises owners, road users, Cyclists and Cart Pullers. Stratified Random Sampling was used and questionnaires were distributed geographically per stratum. Each stratum had 30 respondents distributed in all key roads (Namanga road, Old Namanga, Saitoti, Kitengela Prisons and New valley Roads). Key informants’ questionnaires were carried out targeting key NMT players such KeNHA, KURA, County of Kajiado Transport and planning department, Kenya railways and academicians. Primary data was obtained through field work questionnaire interviews with various road users, Online key informants’ interviews, field crosscut walks, taking photographs and recording GPS coordinates for mapping. Secondary data was collected from various institution reports, internet search engine and university respiratory. Various software’s were used to analyze such as; Microsoft Excel, AutoCAD and (ArcGIS) The research rationale shows there is lack of NMT provision, unbalanced urban land uses and conflicts between commercial land uses and pedestrians, pedestrians and vehicular traffic due to unplanned highway, commercial street vendors and other business. The study recommended various planning interventions such as provision of NMT facilities and amenities within the major streets, re-planning some land uses by proposing a market, a parking facility, recreational facilities and railway station. The study further proposed replanning and redesign of Namanga highway into an urban street and creating eastern and western bypasses that will ease traffic within already congested township.