Urban areas in Kenya have experienced a rapid increase in motor vehicle ownership over recent years, resulting in traffic congestion, air pollution, and a deteriorating urban environment. As many cities attempt to accommodate the increasing motorised traffic, public space is allocated to vehicles, leaving little or no space for walking, cycling and the social and economic activities that enable cities to thrive. With Kenya’s urban population projected to reach 23 million by 2030, connectivity to education, employment, and social opportunities is fundamental to the development of the country.
To address these issues, the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development, and Public Works (MOTIHUD) in partnership with the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) with support from the International Climate Initiative and the Global Road Safety Fund, prepared a draft Street Design Manual for Urban Areas in Kenya (SDMUAK). The manual aims to mainstream best practice street designs that support the use of sustainable modes of transport and improve safety for vulnerable road users—particularly pedestrians and cyclists. Besides reducing
the risk of death and serious injury, more inclusive street designs will yield significant co-benefits, including better access to jobs and opportunities, lower demand for travel by motorised vehicles, and reduced air pollution.
As part of the ongoing series of stakeholder engagements on the Street Design Manual for Urban Areas Kenya (SDMUAK), ITDP held an interactive webinar with the cycling community on how best to improve the street designs in urban areas.
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