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This study aims to determine if citizen-science smartphone measurements can effectively map road-traffic noise in Nairobi for policy-making.

July 5, 2026Open Access

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Mapping Nairobi’s environmental noise using a custom crowdsourcing smartphone app for evidence-based urban noise regulation and policy

DSDavid N. SiribaUniversity of Nairobi

Key Points

This study aims to determine if citizen-science smartphone measurements can effectively map road-traffic noise in Nairobi for policy-making.
Volunteers collected road-traffic noise data using the Urban Ear app in various sub-counties.
Analysis focused on identifying noise hotspots and comparing averages to WHO thresholds.
Significant noise hotspots were found, with sub-county averages exceeding WHO thresholds by 10–35 dB(A).
Citizen-science mapping identified priority corridors for potential policy decisions.

Abstract

This study assessed whether citizen-science smartphone measurements can map Nairobi’s road-traffic noise for policy use. Volunteers collected data using Urban Ear app across various sub-counties. Key results showed significant noise hotspots and sub-county averages exceeding WHO thresholds by 10–35 dB(A). Findings suggest citizen-science mapping can identify priority corridors for policy decisions, but calibration and expanded night sampling are needed.

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Mapping Nairobi’s environmental noise using a custom crowdsourcing smartphone app for evidence-based urban noise regulation and policy

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