Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi

The paper discusses transportation research and planning in developing countries with emphasis on tropical Africa. It is suggested that research into transport modes used in rural areas should receive the proper attention and encouragement from the international lending institutions (IBRD, IDA etc), as well as the individual governments in order to plan for better transport programmes in the rural areas. Therefore, it is proposed to conduct a case study of transport modes in Kirinyaga district with special emphasis on the potential and use of intermediate technology modes. The outcome of the proposed field survey will help in the design of a rural transport programme that is within the means of the inhabitants, that compared with the level of technological development of the country and that is adaptable to the cultural regimen.