Policy Learning and The Wicked Problem of Traffic Congestion in Nairobi City County Kenya

Purpose of the Study: The study investigated the influence of policy learning on the wicked problem of traffic congestion in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Specifically, it examined how stakeholder learning, governance approaches, social interaction, experiential knowledge, and incremental policy adjustments contribute toward addressing persistent urban traffic congestion. Methodology: The study adopted a pragmatism research philosophy and descriptive research design. Data were collected from 169 respondents selected using simple random, purposive, and stratified sampling techniques. Semi-structured questionnaires and interview schedules gathered primary data from transport stakeholders, while descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were used for data interpretation. Findings: The study established that policy learning exerted a statistically significant positive influence on the wicked problem of traffic congestion in Nairobi City County (β = .284, t = 4.279, p < .001). Stakeholder commitment, decisive governance, experiential learning, and social interaction among bureaucrats enhanced traffic congestion policy effectiveness. The findings further revealed that inadequate whole-government coordination and contradictory institutional narratives hindered effective traffic management interventions. Policy learning demonstrated a strong positive correlation with addressing traffic congestion (r = .736, p < .01). The study confirmed that institutional learning, evidence-based reviews, and incremental policy adjustments significantly improve policy responsiveness and transport governance outcomes in Nairobi City County. Conclusion: The study concluded that policy learning is a significant determinant in addressing traffic congestion in Nairobi City County. Institutionalizing structured policy learning platforms and inter-agency knowledge-sharing mechanisms would significantly strengthen sustainable and responsive traffic congestion management interventions within Nairobi.