Kenya’s public transport system presents daily challenges for people with disabilities, as it is not designed to accommodate wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments. It remains inaccessible, unsafe, and unaffordable. While a new disability law holds the promise of change, its actual impact remains uncertain.
This issue is particularly pressing given the scale of the challenge. According to the United Nations Population Fund, Kenya has nearly 1 million people with disabilities, most of which face significant barriers to transportation. More than 90% of people with disabilities rely on matatus — the minibuses that serve as Kenya’s primary mode of transportation. Accessible transport is essential, yet these vehicles are completely inaccessible, lacking ramps, wheelchair space, or accommodations for visual or hearing impairments.
The consequences of this exclusion are profound. Two out of three people with disabilities identify transport as their biggest obstacle to opportunity. Without reliable access, they miss work, school, and social life, leaving them further marginalized.
In addition to the physical challenges, stigma creates another layer of difficulty. Despite Kenya’s legal and policy advancements, many individuals with disabilities often face unfair treatment, such as bus drivers refusing service or passengers making rude comments. This stems from a lack of awareness about disability issues, perpetuating a hostile and unwelcoming environment for those who rely on public transport.
Amid these challenges, individuals like Daniel Gatura are creating solutions. Inspired by personal experience, he founded Ace Mobility in Nairobi in 2021 to provide accessible transport for people with disabilities. The vehicles are modified with ramps and swivel seats, and users can book rides through the Ace Mobility app. The company’s drivers are also trained as caregivers, ensuring respectful and appropriate assistance.
However, accessibility comes at a cost — the service is about 30% more expensive than regular ride-hailing options and significantly pricier than public transport. This makes it unaffordable for many, even though it offers the convenience of door-to-door service.
Promising initiatives, like Nairobi’s Bus Rapid Transit System, aim to bridge this gap. Designed with features like ramps, level boarding, tactile paving, wheelchair spaces, and audio announcements, the system could transform accessibility. However, delays caused by funding issues, contractor setbacks, and budget cuts have stalled progress.
Groups like the United Disabled Persons of Kenya and Flone Initiative work to make public transportation in Africa safe and accessible for women, youth, and people with disabilities. They do this by training transport staff, marking priority seating, and advocating for policy enforcement.
