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MULTIMEDIA UNIVERSITY OF KENYA

‘Riding on Technology, Inspiring Innovation’

FACULTY OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION


TECHNOLOGY

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

RESEARCH STUDY OF HOW COMPUTER HARDWARE AND


SOFTWARE
CAN BE USED TO SOLVE THE ISSUE OF TRAFFIC ON
KENYAN ROADS.

MARCH 2022

By;

N Group Member Registration No.

o.

1. Mr. Henry Manyonyi CIT-222-049/2019

2. Mr. James Kanyiri CIT-222-065/2019

3. Mr. Kevin Hector Ngetich CIT-222-047/2019


4. Mr. Bumho Nisubire CIT-222-018/2019

5. Mr. Errol Onzere CIT-222-051/2019

6. Mr. Dan Mwangi CIT-222-042/2019

7. Ms. Audrey Aligula CIT-222-037/2019


Table of Contents
Summary............................................................................................................... i
Introduction........................................................................................................ 1
Literature Review............................................................................................... 1
Problem Statement & Hypothesis...................................................................1
Suppositions & Implications............................................................................. 2
Other environments that have implemented these technologies.............5
Conclusion........................................................................................................... 5
Reference............................................................................................................ 6
Summary
Traffic congestion is widely acknowledged as one of the most serious issues
in modern living. There are a variety of costs associated with traffic
congestion. There is an unproductive time, also, time cost, such as longer
average travel times and unexpected delays; a physical cost, such as fuel
prices and car depreciation, and additional environmental and social
expenses, such as noise and air pollution.

'Building our way out' is the traditional response to traffic congestion. This
could literally mean to expand the existing road infrastructure or to build
more roads. It could also imply adding more capacity in the form of
alternative modes of transportation. These enhancements, on the other hand,
may cause behavioural changes that, while helpful to the individual
commuter, may have effects for a system's efficiency and for society as a
whole.

This is a basic research that focuses on how computer hardware and software
can be used to solve the issue of traffic on Kenyan roads. The Circulatory
Process Model is utilized in the execution of this research since it is notable
that the factors contributing to traffic congestion glitches do not evolve
irrespective of the area under consideration.

The prime objective of this study aims at coming up with economically


implementable clarifications (cost-effective methods) to assist reduce traffic
congestion on Kenyan roads.

The gap analysis identified in the literature review between this research and
the existing information is that the prime methodology of solving the traffic
menace being discussed are pegged only to the consideration of developing
physical road infrastructure rather than the reflections on how technology
(Computer hardware and software) can be exploited to facilitate the same.
Additionally, they focus on immediate impact rather than the long-term
benefits.

The conceptual framework of this study is based on the variables people,


traffic and technology (both computer hardware & software.) Technology in
this context serves as the mediating variable between people and traffic,
such that traffic is dependent to people however technology mediates
between the two by providing viable means to ease traffic.

If we implement technologies like CCTVs, drones, lidar, satellite, Vehicle-to-


Infrastructure (V-to-I), Weigh-in-Motion (WIM), & smart parking technologies
is on Kenyan roads; this can help to curb the problem of traffic congestion by
about 68%. Other environments that have adopted these proposed solutions
include pan European countries, Japan, Russia and the US.

The major point to take home is that this study has outlined possible
technological sectors that can be exploited to decongest traffic on Kenyan
roads. Further, these technologies will give rise to an Intelligent Transport
System (ITS) which incorporates the evolution to smart cities that will be well
organised. Additionally, clarity is given that the implementation cost may be
high, however, the long-term benefit is worth the investment. More detailed
explanation of the clarifications of the technological solutions are discussed
on our PowerPoint.
Introduction
When you mention the word “traffic” in a public space it is enough to make
anyone feel nervous and upset. A large percentage of Kenyans rely on
automobiles to get to and from home on a daily basis, especially those who
reside in urban areas.
Traffic jams in our country has been a major drawback in the transport sector
for a long period of time. This mainly affects major cities like Nairobi, Nakuru,
Kisumu, Mombasa etc. and also other major towns in the country which are
still growing. Traffic congestion/jams in towns have often had detrimental
effects. A good example of this scenario is patients being conveyed via road
to hospitals some unfortunately never make it because the motorists can’t
maneuver their way out of a traffic jam. Another example is people often get
late for their appointments because they end up wasting a lot of time in
traffic jams. Delicate goods being ferried to various places also sometimes
end up getting spoilt because of the long hours spent on road. The list of
effects is endless. In general Hundreds of potential hours and huge amounts
of money are lost when there’s no continuous flow of traffic around major
cities.

Literature Review
Gap Analysis
The primary methodology of solving the traffic menace being discussed is
pegged only to the consideration of developing physical road infrastructure
rather than reflections on how technology (Computer hardware and software)
can be exploited to facilitate the same. Furthermore, they are more
concerned with the immediate impact other than with the long-term benefits.

Conceptual Framework
The conceptual framework of this study is based on the variables people,
traffic and technology (both computer hardware & software.) Technology in
this context serves as the mediating variable between people and traffic,
such that Traffic is dependent to people however technology mediates
between the two by providing viable means to ease traffic.

PEOPL TRAFFI
E C

TECHNOLOG
Y
Problem Statement & Hypothesis
We believe that traffic congestion has become a national concern. This
research employs innovative technologies to help relieve stress on public

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road infrastructure. After determining the smoking gun, we plan to develop
technology solutions that might revolutionize the transportation industry. We
can use technology to confront this issue because the world is changing at a
rapid pace technologically.

Our hypothesis for this study includes:

1. The use of smart traffic lights to monitor and control traffic using
algorithms should cut traffic on major cities and towns.
2. If Vehicle to Infrastructure (V-to-I) technology can be incorporated in
the transport system then vehicles will share their data to a
centralized system which uses data analytics to optimize routes that
are not prone to traffic jams.
3. By enhancing technology, such as online booking systems, will
reduce the usage of automobiles by Kenyan residents, hence
lowering the number of vehicles on the road.
4. If we integrate the use of CCTV cameras, lidars and radars to
monitor roads as well as keep track of the current traffic situation on
roads, stakeholders will have necessary data which may prove
beneficial to analysis and deductions of the best way forward to
curb traffic jams.
5. If we implement weigh-in-motion (WIM) technologies then traffic
offenders will be identified and penalized as per the law.
6. If smart parking systems are implemented then traffic jams in cities will
be resolved as vehicles won’t have to circle around parking lots looking
for slots.
7. The use of mass media for example radio stations for traffic updates
will be informative to motorists. They will be aware of traffic prone
areas and divert to less congested routes.
8. If sensitization on the use of Google Maps is emphasized then traffic
cingestion can be minimized.
9. The usage of drones in cities to do tasks such as inspection,
maintenance, and delivery would reduce the number of vehicles on
roads that would otherwise be required to complete these tasks,
resulting in reduced traffic jams.
10. If autonomous self-driving cars are implemented then traffic
jams caused by motorists will be reduced.

Suppositions & Implications


Congestion has been caused by poor planning of towns which in time has
been overwhelmed by growth, poor maintenance of road infrastructure
therefore, rendering the transport sector in cities inefficient. Both emerging
and developed countries suffer serious traffic congestion which are a result of
accidents among other causes. Certain cities are utilizing state-of-the-art
information communication technologies to solve these traffic issues, and

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some of them have achieved success in their implementation. Kenya can also
employ the same to achieve the objective to ease traffic on her roads. The
following are the feasible technologies that can be used.

1. The use of smart traffic lights to monitor and control traffic using sensors
and algorithms should cut traffic on major cities and towns.

Smart traffic light systems using sensors and algorithms


Major cities often experience heavy traffic leading to congestion on roads.
As a counter measure, the use of traffic lights was introduced. This colour
code is hard coded independent of the traffic flow. Sensors and algorithms
can be used to record the real-time behaviour of current traffic. Then this
information can be analysed by an autonomous system to govern the
algorithm that controls traffic light systems, hence rendering the system
more efficient.

2. If Vehicle to Infrastructure (V-to-I) technology can be incorporated in the


transport system then vehicles will share their data to a centralized
system which uses data analytics to optimize routes that are not prone to
traffic jams.

Building (V-to-I) Smart Corridors


Having a transportation system that adapts to the needs of commuters is
one thing, but having a roadway that can provide real-time feedback and
guidance to motorists is even more valuable. One of the most effective
ways to minimize traffic congestion in cities is to use (V-to-I) technology to
make roadways smarter. Motorists can be informed about accidents and
weather-related notifications while driving on certain routes and
expressways using connected video cameras and satellite imaging. These
roads would function as smart transit corridors, providing information to
all vehicle motorists about the conditions that will welcome them in the
next miles. They can then choose to reroute to a less congested road or
slow down to avoid adding to the congestion.

3. By enhancing technology, such as online booking systems, will reduce the


usage of automobiles by Kenyan residents, hence lowering the number of
vehicles on the road.

Mobility as a Service (MaaS)


This is a remarkable concept, which is defined as a digital platform with an
integrated planning, booking, e-ticketing and payment service across all
traffic modes from departure to destination. For example, instead of going
to a booking station, one can book a ticket at the comfort of their home
without causing traffic. Alternatively, users need to download a certain
application and only input a departure and a destination place such that
they can obtain an optimal traveling route using public transportation, car

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sharing, renting a bicycle and so on. If they agree on its suggestion, they
can get an e-ticket for all transportation means with one click.

4. If we integrate the use of CCTV cameras, lidars and radars to monitor


roads as well as keep track of the current traffic situation on roads,
stakeholders will have necessary data which may prove beneficial to
analysis and deductions of the best way forward to curb traffic jams.

Lidar
Current traffic sensors, such as radar and cameras, do not provide three-
dimensional data or trajectory information. Furthermore, the camera's
performance diminishes in a dark environment. Lidar sensors with 360-
degree surround vision capabilities, on the other hand, are a compelling
option since they accurately and often collect 3D data about adjacent
objects. Lidar sensors can operate in a number of lighting conditions,
including daytime, dusk, and night. Using algorithms, the sensors can
provide information about traffic patterns - e.g. are vehicles changing
lanes in the middle of an intersection? are they speeding? - but also the
interactions among the various users of a road.

5. If we implement weigh-in-motion (WIM) technologies then traffic offenders


will be identified and penalized as per the law.

WIM technologies
Overloaded vehicles are often slow and over speeding vehicles risk the
event of accidents. These are issues that can lead to traffic congestion.
Implementing WIM systems on our highways will help reduce traffic
congestion by improving the ability to identify traffic offenders who
overload and overspeed vehicles since this technology will be able to
capture the 3D model of the vehicle, their weights, speeds and other
necessary details. These details will be forwarded to a central station for
the law to take cause, however the vehicle is allowed to continue without
causing traffic.

6. If smart parking systems are implemented then traffic jams in cities will be
resolved as vehicles won’t have to circle around parking lots looking for
slots.

Smart parking systems


Smart parking systems contains sensors, signboards and also mobile
applications/website. Sensors are located on each parking slots to identify
if it’s available or taken. It then sends this information to the system which
then calculates the total available spaces and displays them using LED
signboards.

Smart parking systems will have LED signboards at the entry point of the
parking zone. Real time vacancy availability will be displayed on LED
signboards at the entry. This will be beneficial intel to motorists as they

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will know which parking slots are available even before entering. Also
available parking slots information can be displayed on websites and
phone applications so as drivers entering the cities know beforehand
where to go instead of circling around the city looking for spaces.

All this work together to prevent drivers from causing traffic circling
around parking lots and roads.

7. The use of mass media for example radio stations for traffic updates will
be informative to motorists. They will be aware of traffic prone areas and
divert to less congested routes.

Use of Mass media


Mass media has both intensive and extensive influence on traffic
management. In intensive influence, it is used to manage short-term and
immediate occurrences such as blocked roads, accidents and other
unexpected hinderances on roads. Since this information is available to
almost everyone e.g. radio announcements, it can be useful since
motorists can know which roads have less traffic, which roads have an
occurrence. Also, the traffic police can use this information to go to where
traffic congested zones and resolve it. While in extensive influence, it
allows and encourages suggestions and opinions that have been
implemented in managing expected and recurrent road traffic congestion
that have used in other areas.

8. If sensitization on the use of Google Maps is emphasized then traffic


congestion can be minimized.

Use of google maps


The use of Google Maps has proven to be beneficial in determining roads
with less traffic. Creating awareness on its use to motorists will ultimately
curb traffic jams since they will be able to route to alternative roads.

9. The usage of drones in cities to do tasks such as inspection, maintenance,


and delivery would reduce the number of vehicles on roads that would
otherwise be required to complete these tasks, resulting in reduced traffic
jams.

Drone Usage
Most jobs that formerly required inspectors, maintenance and delivery
personnel, or city authorities to go in vehicles can now be completed using
drone cameras thanks to the emergence of IoT-based drones. Drones can
quickly reduce the number of trucks and buses on roads, especially during
peak hours. This can be evident in cities that use them for minor repairs
and most inspections instead of sending out field workers in a truck.

10. If autonomous self-driving cars are implemented then traffic jams


caused by motorists will be reduced.

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Autonomous vehicle technology
While autonomous vehicles are unlikely to reduce the number of
automobiles on the road, they will likely minimize traffic congestion and
collisions caused by driver error.

One example of autonomous vehicle technology is platooning. Vehicles


would be able to speed up and slow down, merge onto and off of freeways
without human intervention if all roads on the vehicle had autonomous
technology, resulting in a much smoother driving pattern. Platooning is a
first step toward self-driving automobiles since it requires freeway
vehicles to communicate with one another regarding speed and
conditions, allowing them to travel in a consistent manner. It would reduce
human error that causes problems such as phantom traffic jams, which
are generated by the ripple effect of a driver braking in the middle of a
highway.

More first- and last-mile options for public transportation will assist to
alleviate traffic congestion by lowering the number of passenger vehicles
on the road. Companies like Lyft and Uber, for example, are investigating
how autonomous vehicles could make their services more viable when
used in conjunction with public transportation.

Other environments that have implemented these technologies


Lidar has been used by the University of Nevada (Reno project) to create
algorithms particularly for roadside lidar sensing devices in their study. The
team continued proof-of-concept testing to assess the accuracy, reliability,
and efficiency of the created algorithms and roadside lidar sensing devices in
a variety of traffic scenarios and applications.

V-to-I has been used in States like Wyoming to help cars and trucks pass
congested and hazardous areas safely.

Private corporations like Amazon are testing drone delivery in congested


areas, and there is no reason why governments can't follow suit.

Conclusion
The research hereby concludes that the above technologies if implemented,
will give birth to an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) which comprises smart
cities ……, that will ease the problem of traffic congestion. The
implementation costs for these technologies is high, however, the long-term
benefit will be significantly valuable to the country’s economy e.g. in cutting
down the unproductive time & fuel consumptions rate, reducing pollution,
and other hidden costs associated to traffic congestion.

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Reference
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Cooperation: Building Safe Roads with AHS and National Land
Innovations
Morikita Publishing Co. Inc. (December 2013)
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2. System on road transport analysis by probe data and its


application
25th World Road Congress Seoul 2015 (2015), p. 11
Google Scholar
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3. Bull, Alberto. “Traffic Congestion. The Problem and How to Deal with
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8. Innovative Ideas to Reduce Traffic Congestion with Smart City
Tech. (2020, July 20). Get My Parking Blog.
https://blog.getmyparking.com/2020/07/20/7-innovative-ideas-to-
reduce-traffic-congestion-with-smart-city-tech/

9. Electropages. (2020, October 28). How can LiDAR help traffic


and reduce accidents? Www.electropages.com; Robin Mitchell.
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