The UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) said it will assist Kenya to develop an inclusive transport sector in order to promote economic development, an official said on Thursday.
Debashish Bhattacharjee, lead at the urban mobility unit of UN Habitat, told a transport forum in Nairobi that transport is an enabler for economic growth.
“A more inclusive transport sector will ensure that vulnerable groups such as women and the disabled are able to perform economic activities that will contribute to expanding the country’s gross domestic product,” Bhattacharjee said at the launch of the Accessibility and Mobility Project.
Bhattacharjee said that an accessible public transport system will also enable Kenya to implement the UN convention on Rights of Persons with Disability.
He added that a significant proportion of Kenyans in major urban centers walk to work.
He added that this calls for the right policy mix to ensure there are sufficient footpaths and cycling lanes to support non-motorized transportation modes.
The UN official said that in order to make the transport sector more equitable, the players in the industry also have to possess the right attitude so that the disabled do not feel discriminated against.
He noted that accessibility is not only about the vehicles but also about the ability to ensure individuals can reach their destinations.
Bhattacharje noted that a safe and reliable transport system will also help promote social justice within the society.
