Innovative Transport Solutions in Western Kenya

William Wanyonyi Wamalwa
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
Email: williamwamalwa1978@gmail.com

Abstract: Transport-related challenges in rural Western Kenya continue to hinder access to essential services and economic opportunities. Inadequate infrastructure, fragmented mobility systems, and digital exclusion have deepened inequalities between rural and urban areas. This study aimed to develop an integrated transport framework tailored to the counties of Bungoma, Kakamega, Vihiga, and Kisumu, focusing on inclusion, innovation, and sustainability. A mixed-methods design was adopted, involving household surveys, GPS-enabled travel mapping, and structured interviews with community stakeholders. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS and GIS, while qualitative data were processed through NVivo for thematic insights. The study identified key mobility barriers and tested four pilot interventions grounded in four innovation models: the Transport Integration Model, Hub-and-Spoke Model, Center-Periphery Approach, and Technology Diffusion Model. Results demonstrated improved travel times, increased accessibility for women and persons with disabilities, and greater youth participation in digital mobility initiatives. The findings suggest that context-sensitive, youth-led, and technology-enabled transport solutions can significantly reduce rural mobility poverty. The study contributes to regional transport policy by presenting a scalable framework for inclusive and sustainable mobility in underserved areas.