Plans to launch inclusive public transport system mooted

The Commission has held high level talks with industry players in the transport sector in a bid to promote the development of a transport system that is inclusive and accessible to all in Kenya, including persons with disabilities, older members of society, pregnant mothers and little children.

The talks happened under the auspices of the project titled “Access and Mobility: The implications of Universal Access on Groups in Vulnerable Situations in Nairobi” and featured a partnership between the Commission, National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Nairobi Area Metropolitan Transport Authority (NAMATA), UN Habitat, County Governments, National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), National Government Ministries and the Institute of Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP).

Speaking during the opening session of the high level meeting, Chairperson Dr. Joyce Mutinda said the project would engage stakeholders in discussions to embed the concept of universal accessibility in the formulation of transport policies, regulations and practice.

“Public transport services in Kenya have been discriminatory and less inclusive of the needs of the most vulnerable urban populations largely due to lack of policy framework and incentives for inclusivity. There is a strong urgency to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities within the public transport system in Nairobi”. Said Dr. Mutinda.

The proposed inclusive transport system will feature safety considerations for vulnerable persons, pedestrian walkways and special needs for mobility of older persons and those with disabilities.