THE ROLE OF URBAN SMART MOBILITY INNOVATIONS IN ADVANCING ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY OUTCOMES IN LAST-MILE LOGISTICS: A CASE STUDY OF NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA
Douglas Karan Onezmas Omweno - Masters Student in Purchasing and Logistics Management, School of Business and Economics, Department of Management Science, Kisii University, Kenya
Fridah Chepleting (PhD) - Lecturer, Department of Management Science, Kisii University, Kenya
Enock Musau (PhD) - Senior Lecturer, Department of Management Science, Kisii University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Despite global advancements in green logistics, African urban centers, including Nairobi, face acute sustainability challenges driven by rapid urbanization, outdated delivery fleets, fragmented infrastructure, and limited policy alignment. Grounded in Collaborative Logistics Theory, Urban Logistics Theory, and Sustainable Supply Chain Management Theory, the study investigates four core dimensions: adoption of smart mobility technologies, integration of electric and micro-mobility solutions, utilization of green urban infrastructure, and implementation of collaborative logistics practices. The study targeted 325 individuals. The study selected 98 respondents with the aid of purposeful and stratified random sampling methods. The study addressed the challenge of environmental degradation caused by inefficient last-mile logistics in Nairobi, where high reliance on fossil-fuel-based transport, inadequate green infrastructure, and limited collaboration among logistics actors have hindered sustainable urban mobility. The main objective was to examine the role of urban smart mobility innovations in enhancing environmental sustainability, with specific aims of assessing the effects of adopting smart mobility technologies, integrating electric and micro-mobility solutions, utilizing green urban infrastructure, and implementing collaborative urban logistics practices. Findings revealed that smart mobility technologies such as route optimization and real-time tracking significantly improved delivery efficiency and reduced emissions. Integration of electric and micro-mobility solutions lowered carbon footprints but faced infrastructural and policy support gaps. Green urban infrastructure availability strongly influenced sustainability outcomes, while collaborative logistics practices reduced redundant trips and improved environmental performance. Based on these results, the study recommended scaling up adoption of smart mobility technologies, providing policy incentives for electric and micro-mobility adoption, investing in public EV charging and micro-depot infrastructure, and fostering partnerships among logistics actors to enhance resource sharing and reduce emissions. These measures would collectively promote sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly last-mile logistics in Nairobi.