POLICY BROKERS AND THE WICKED PROBLEM OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY KENYA
Keywords:
Policy Brokers, Wicked Problems, Media Advocacy, Traffic Congestion, SACCOs, Matatu Welfare AssociationAbstract
Purpose of the Study: The study investigated the influence of policy brokers on the wicked problem of traffic congestion in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Specifically, it examined how policy brokers facilitate coordination, knowledge co-production, stakeholder engagement, conflict resolution, and inter-institutional negotiations in addressing persistent and complex traffic congestion challenges within urban transport governance systems.
Methodology: The study adopted a pragmatism research paradigm and descriptive research design. Data were collected from 169 respondents selected using simple random and stratified sampling techniques from Nairobi City County transport departments and Usafiri Bora Coalition. Semi-structured questionnaires and interview schedules gathered primary data, while descriptive and inferential statistics were applied in data analysis.
Findings: Policy brokers demonstrated a statistically significant strong positive correlation with addressing traffic congestion (r=0.736, p<0.01). Regression analysis confirmed brokers as influential predictors (β=0.270, t=4.246, p<0.001). Descriptive results showed strong agreement that brokers unite for knowledge co-production (mean=4.12), create deliberative venues (mean=4.18, highest), navigate competing agendas (mean=4.14), and attract county government attention through innovations (mean=4.17). Brokers coordinate policy formulation, frame congestion issues, and leverage opportunities for solutions. These findings affirm brokers’ indispensable role in consensus-building and policy coordination within Nairobi’s complex transport governance system.
Conclusion: The study concluded that policy brokers play a critical mediating and coordinative role in addressing traffic congestion in Nairobi City County. Through stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and knowledge-sharing processes, policy brokers enhance policy responsiveness and collaboration.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20429981
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