In 2009, Nairobi made world headlines as the City in the Sun was choked out by traffic pollution. Bumper-to-bumper traffic and endless dust are nothing new, and as internet-based companies rise in African cities, traffic will undoubtedly increase along with it. Just a decade ago, receiving a delivery from a company was an exciting novelty and only reserved for those who were willing to part with hard-earned cash for the delivery fee. However, thanks to no-delivery-cost initiatives, better access to the internet, and online promotions, online shopping is becoming the new normal. Thanks to tech, however, this doesn’t have to translate into an increase in traffic too.
Drones are coming
One of the fastest ways to relieve traffic on the roads is by taking deliveries to the air. Drones are a cost-effective way to do this, and while there is a lot of regulation in place in terms of drones, the various industries will soon need to adopt the tech in order to remain relevant and alleviate the pressure on the environment. Drones won’t only make a difference in terms of traffic congestion, but also the pollution caused by exhaust fumes. Currently, the first industry earmarked for high-tech drone delivery is the medical industry to get emergency medical supplies out faster. Four centres across the country have been earmarked for the tech, and each will receive 30 drones.
Tighter emissions standards
Nairobi’s smog is enough to make regulators sit up and demand change where emissions standards are concerned. This is not only to ensure that inhabitants and travellers to this part of the world enjoy cleaner air, but also that there is less strain on the environment. While semi-autonomous and autonomous vehicles will lower the cost of deliveries in major cities, they might also alleviate traffic by using a multiple-parcel pickup system. Driver fatigue won’t be a problem, and if this technology is also combined with electric vehicles (EVs), it may resolve the emissions issues too. This is particularly helpful to companies that provide regular and predictable parcel delivery services, such as online retailers and subscription services.
Internet of Things (IoT) connects all the dots
The efficacy of drones and autonomous delivery systems will have a lot to contend with, as traffic situations and human behaviour are, for the most part, very unpredictable. With IoT, the delivery process is simplified, as the inter-connectivity between devices allows proper route tracking to take place within geo-fenced zones. For Kenya, this means high-speed internet and seriously good WiFi. Packages should also contain radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to improve the accuracy of deliveries. This will not only be a game changer in terms of customer satisfaction (as customers will be able to track their orders), but businesses will also have a better handle on their stock.
Kenyan traffic ranges from the wide-open stretches of road as you travel through the most rural parts, where the only vehicle on the road is a donkey cart, to bustling city centres that beg for relief from the constant onslaught of cars. Simplifying deliveries would make a significant difference.
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