NGPU May 3, 2024

Nakuru County’s Collaborative Effort Towards Enhancing a Safer and Inclusive Transportation System

Written by Nancy Kihara

The Nakuru County Transport and Safety Committee, in partnership with the Flone Initiative, held a stakeholder meeting with members of the training industry to get input in the development of a County Public Transport Code of Conduct that guides public transport workers in the County.

Flone Initiative is a women-led NGO, working towards the creation of safe, sustainable, and accessible public transportation spaces for women and vulnerable groups in Africa, by influencing behavioural change, generating knowledge, and movement-building.

The code of conduct seeks to prioritize the needs and safety of passengers while addressing critical areas such as disability and gender inclusion, climate action, road safety, zero tolerance for Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Violence (SHGBV), and customer service excellence.

The County Executive Member for Infrastructure, Engineer Michael Kamau who graced the meeting, extended gratitude to all stakeholders for their participation. He emphasized the significance of the forum in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that the public transport system meets the evolving needs of the community.

To address grievances and ensure accountability, the committee intends to establish a robust complaint mechanism. This mechanism will enable passengers to report instances of unsatisfactory service, either directly to the respective Saccos or vehicle owners or through legal channels.

With the collaboration among various stakeholders, Nakuru County is set to revolutionize its public transportation system. Through the implementation of a comprehensive code of conduct and the establishment of effective complaint mechanisms, the county aims to create a safer, more inclusive, and customer-centric transportation experience for all its residents.

The stakeholder meeting saw the presence of Gladys Kamuren(Chief Officer for Gender and Social Services), Steve Muli (Chairman of Matau Owners Association), Edgar Sirima(Ag Director of Roads and Transport) and stakeholders from Nurse-in-Hand, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Mid Rift Hurinet, and the Nakuru County Bodaboda Association of Kenya.