Walking and freight delivery operations. Space-sharing conflicts in Nairobi

Journal article, 2026

Urban planners seek to resolve tensions in public space by promoting street designs that prioritize active mobility. However, there is a tendency in overlooking freight operations in the allocation of street space, exacerbating conflicts in the access to space which threaten the safety, environmental, social and economic values of streets. While studies in European and US cities (Global North) have examined these issues, little attention has been given to the Global South. This research aims at examining conflicts in the access to street space, particularly between pedestrians and freight, to identify conditions that shape or restrict both walking as a mode of transport and efficient freight deliveries. Several methods supported data collection in five streets in Nairobi (Kenya), including secondary data analysis, focus groups, direct observation, surveys, and workshops. Findings reveal mismatches between policies, practices, power, and business models, driven not only by factors reported in Global North contexts but also by local dynamics, including politization of space occupation, informal last-mile structures, and illegal encroachment of public space. Additionally, the research provides insights to the design of practice-informed rules for access management, emphasizing the need to align access rules with everyday street practices and social dynamics. Outcomes from this research expand the understanding of how urban conditions influence freight–pedestrian interactions and the viability of walking as a mode of transport. Comprehending these dynamics becomes imperative for creating liveable cities.