Abstract:
The study uses contingent valuation (CV) framework to assess individuals’
preferences for improved air quality management through motorized
emission reductions in the city of Nairobi, Kenya. A conventional payment
card (PC) is used to draw preferences from individuals in order
to estimate the mean and the median willingness to pay (WTP) for air
quality improvements in the city. Through interval regression analysis,
the study finds that individuals are, on average, willing to pay Kshs.
396.57 ($4.67) and a median of Kshs. 244.94 ($2.88) to improve air quality
management in the city. These amounts are found to increase with male
gender, individuals’ income, certainty about future income and residence
in an urban area. These amounts, however, decline with age, residential
distance from nearby roads, and motor vehicle ownership. On the whole,
the study shows significant public support towards improved air quality
management in the city, which is of vital importance for effective
formation and implementation of air quality management programmes.
