An assessment of non-motorized and public transport challenges for people with disabilities in Nairobi city

Abstract

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