Centralized public parking management - case study of County Government of Nairobi

Abstract

Commuting in Nairobi is part of life for anyone living within the city. This has seen the exponential growth of vehicles that operate within the county. The county government is in charge of controlling parking spaces which are limited. The methods used are mostly manual and several automated parking which also has limitations and is highly inefficient. Manual processes are lengthy with low accuracy of actual operations and accountability. This involves lots of manpower, which is costly, inconsistent, and inefficient. This has an effect on productivity of the economy since time and revenue are lost. This research will be aimed at evaluating the current system and finding ways to make it effective, efficient and convenient to both the county citizens and government. Information will be collected on the existing method used to parking management, analyzed to establish current gaps and a recommendation of the best approach will be presented. There is need for a holistic approach to managing parking in the count of Nairobi. A system that aggregates all parking slots centrally and identifies each uniquely. The system will be accessible from anywhere using a web based enabled interface. The drivers in the county will be able to log in and preserve slots at a defined time on a first come first serve basis. This will coordinate traffic flow in a more efficient way since the system is able to predict estimated number of vehicles expected in the city per unit of time apart from those that will be in transit and not stopping. It will improve the approach used to coordinate parking, people involved with the efforts required and the technology that is currently being used. Administration of the system will be centralized and accountability methods stringent.