Transport Planning & Mobility

The extreme flooding that struck Nairobi in March 2026 was more than a weather anomaly—it was a stress test of urban infrastructure under climate volatility. Within just 24 hours, the city recorded 130–180mm of rainfall, equivalent to its entire monthly long rains compressed into a single day. Roads were submerged, vehicles swept downstream, drainage systems overwhelmed, and thousands displaced. For engineers, this event underscored a stark reality: our design standards must evolve as rapidly as the climate itself.

As cities continue to grow, traffic congestion has become one of the most persistent barriers to economic productivity, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs) offer a strategic and sustainable response. TOD refers to the deliberate planning and design of compact, mixed-use, and walkable communities centered around high-capacity public transport systems such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), commuter rail, or metro networks. By integrating land use and transport planning, TOD shifts the focus from private car-dependency to accessible and people-centered urban growth.

Urban mobility in African cities thrives when streets serve people—not just cars—through inclusive design, community insight, and practical, low-cost interventions.