Improving access to Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) facilities and Public Transport (PT)
for people with disabilities is a necessary element of attaining urban sustainable accessibility
among the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in developing countries like Kenya. This report
is based on a research study on the assessment of the Non-motorized and public transport
challenges for persons with disability in Nairobi City. The study’s main objective is to
further the understanding of the challenges experienced by people with disabilities in
accessing non-motorized transport facilities and public transport in Nairobi, and identify
specific steps that can be taken to improve the situation.
The study covered Nairobi city county where data was collected through a stratified random
sampling of 100 PWDs [Physical and visual] users of public transport from twelve activity
[development] nodes connecting major public transport routes within the city. Data was also
collected through in-depth interviews with major public transport service providers as well as
key informants from different key institutions.
Premised on the urban mobility concepts and disability theories in understanding urban
movements and social interactions of PWDs, the study seeks to dissect the different variable
which determines the travel pattern of PWDs, the challenges they face and factors which
contribute to these challenges. The analyses demonstrate that majority of PWDs in Nairobi
city face serious challenges of access to the poorly designed NMT facilities e.g sidewalks,
footbridges and crossings. Public transport service vehicles in Nairobi city are also designed
with standards which reduce their accessibility by majority of PWDs; most of them are
designed with narrow doors, steep steps without ramps and poor seating arrangements. The
operation and management of public transport is also characterized by poor reliability,
varying availability, high cost, and pitiable safety standards. These factors have been
ascertained to affect the travel patterns and general livelihood of PWDs.
Poor NMT infrastructural network and public service have been attributed to weak policy
and institutional frameworks that guide the operations within the transport sector. There is lack of proper guidelines to ensure the design and provision of inclusive infrastructure and
service that meets the requirements of PWDs is provided. There are also capacity gaps for
key institutions dealing with issues of for people with disability in creating awareness and
implementing structures for their rights and under the international obligations such as the
United Nations Convention on the rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) of 2006,
Article 54 of constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Persons with disability Act 2003.
In conclusion therefore, there is a greater need to improve the level of access to NMT and
public transport for persons with disabilities in compliance with their constitutionally granted
rights. This study has provided a selected overview of progress that has been made and the
gaps that still exists towards achieving improved access to NMT and public transportation for
PWDs in Nairobi City. A generalized framework is suggested for describing the phase
implementation of activities towards improving access for PWDs in Nairobi City. Some
critical priorities for actors at various levels of development have been suggested with a view
to benchmark with the international best practices. It is irrefutable that failure to respond to
these needs on time will deteriorate the social efforts aimed at reducing the gap between the
PWDs and the rest of the population.