Assessing the affordance, equity and wellbeing implications of mobility provision, governance and operation in East African cities

Researchers worked with participants to generate case studies from two specific areas in Kenya: Mathare, an informal settlement in Nairobi and Likoni, a densely populated area just south of Mombasa. In both areas, residents face mobility challenges. 

To better understand the wellbeing impact of mobility affordance in these areas, the team used a mix of approaches. They used participatory mapping methods, which included mapping individuals’ journeys on important or regular trips. They also collected representative digital stories, using imagery and video, to understand the temporal dimensions of these journeys.

A sub-group of participants were invited to take co-designed transect walks – walking along a pre-determined route – to generate a detailed picture of the health and wellbeing impacts of mobility. Participants wore devices to monitor their heart rate variability and their exposure to air pollution as they walked. In addition to generating this health data, participants were also asked to map which parts of the route they found stressful, neutral or relaxing.

The study found that walking is ubiquitous for mobility, and that the quality of pedestrian infrastructure greatly impacts people’s wellbeing. The study also found that the quality of passenger infrastructure is critical for vulnerable road users (i.e. waiting and transit areas). The authors highlight that, when planning improvements, a focus on overall journey experience would help with infrastructure investment, as opposed to assessing infrastructure provision alone.

The authors concluded that to support people’s health and wellbeing, inclusive and equitable mobility solutions must do more than provide safe and appropriate infrastructure. The benefits of any improvements will only be realized with effective governance, including user awareness and behaviour change. If these are not in place, efforts to enhance the wellbeing of vulnerable road users could be undermined.