TITLE:
Road Traffic Noise Abatement: Integrating Engineering and Policy in Nairobi City, Kenya
AUTHORS:
Akech Elisha Ochungo, Simpson Nyambane Osano, John Francis Gichaga
KEYWORDS:
Noise, Abatement, Policy
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Engineering and Technology,
Vol.14 No.2,
March
13,
2026
ABSTRACT: This study aimed at proposing the integration of engineering framework guidelines and policy tool’s suggestion to in future assist in the evaluation and choosing of abatement options to quiet down Road Traffic Noise hotspots in Nairobi city. Class 1 Lutron SL 4033SD Sound Level Meters were used to collect the data in 42 locations along major streets forming the road network. Data collection took place between 6th July 2025 and 12th July 2025. ArcGIS Pro 3.4 software was deployed to generate noise maps and identify high-exposure road corridors (hotspots), which include the Central Business District, Eastleigh area, Thika Superhighway, Mombasa Road, Waiyaki Way, Uhuru Highway, Airport North Road, ICD Road, and Northern Bypass. Using Google Earth, street view images of each location were generated to project exposure targets to guide in the recommendation of mitigation strategy as per the developed engineering framework guidelines discussed. From the discussed engineering framework guidelines, noise barriers are the most feasible and practical solution. Tree belts are better suited where there is available land, and, as a complementary measure, while tunnels provide the greatest theoretical attenuation but can only be applicable to new or large-scale infrastructure projects due to their cost and complexity.