Driving Change Through Dialogue: Gender Equality and Clean Air in Kenya’s Transport Sector
By Dr. Jackline Lidubwi, Internews
Participants of the He4She Dialogue /Source: Kwach Photography
Gender remains a significant determinant of transport mode choice. Research has shown that public transport is more commonly used by women than men, yet transport systems are often designed with a “gender-neutral” lens that fails to address the unique needs of women. Women face specific mobility challenges, safety concerns, and travel patterns that differ from men, yet these factors are frequently overlooked.
A survey by Flone Initiative revealed that 88% of commuters had witnessed or heard of violence against women and girls on public transport. A majority of commuters identify public transport operators as the primary perpetrators. The survey also found that inappropriate physical contact and verbal harassment were the most common forms of abuse, often occurring in bus stations. Such findings underscore the urgent need for systemic change within the sector.
On the occasion of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in December, Charles Aholi called upon men to champion this change.
“The transport sector is male dominated; thus, men should lead in ensuring safety for all. By championing respect and equality, they can transform the sector into a safe haven for women,” said Ahola who is the Executive Director of NAPTA, a non-profit organization championing the transformation of the public transport sector in Kenya through research, innovation, training, advocacy, and investments.
Charles Aholi, Executive Director, NAPTA, speaking during the He4She dialogue /Source: Kwach Photography
The remarks were made at a HE4SHE dialogue aiming to end sexual and gender-based violence in the matatu and bodaboda sectors. Clean Air Catalyst, in collaboration with NAPTA, World Resources Institute, USAID Kenya, National Environment Management Authority, and Nairobi City County Government, organized the event on Tom Mboya Street near the main bus depot in the city center.
Alex Kulema, Chairman of the Nairobi Bodaboda Association, explained that the need for change is clear. Public transport users deserve to move through Nairobi without fear of harassment or violence. This problem is not only a matter of gender equality but also of human dignity and safety.
“The matatu and bodaboda sectors are hotspots for sexual and gender-based violence. Women, men and girls who rely on these forms of transport often face harassment, verbal abuse, and even physical violence, especially in crowded vehicles or while waiting at busy stations” Kulema explained. “Matatu crews, in particular, are frequently implicated in these acts, perpetuating a culture of impunity where violence against women goes unchallenged,” Kulema added.
Alex Kulema,Chairman, Nairobi Bodaboda Association /Source: Kwach Photography
Sexual and gender-based violence can also affect men who use and operate public transport. However, WRI Gender Specialist Purity Munyambu noted it is not well-documented. “When they report the incidents, they’re either not believed, or they’re mocked,” said Purity Munyambu, Gender Specialist at WRI. This underscores how harmful gender norms are for everyone – in this case, the damaging perception that men cannot be victims“, she explained.
Purity Munyambu, WRI, at the He4She dialogue /Source: Kwach Photography
The Environmental Cost of Transportation
In Kenya, the transport sector is a significant source of air pollution, particularly in urban areas like Nairobi. Poor air quality affects both men and women, but women face more consequences than men because of their hormones and the reproductive system. The Clean Air Catalyst team looked into the evidence base linking air pollution and female reproductive health and found strong evidence connecting air pollution exposure to adverse birth outcomes, suggestive evidence around fertility and pregnancy outcomes, and emerging concerns around gynecological problems like dysmenorrhea and endometriosis.
A pregnant woman exposed to air pollution may end up losing the pregnancy,” said Munyambu. “This could subject her to violence from family members and the wider community due to the stigma often attached to miscarriage.”
USAID’s Clean Air Catalyst program, led by WRI Africa in Nairobi, is focused on better understanding the links between air pollution, health and gender-based violence to develop an integrated response to these crises. Since transport is one of the major sources of Nairobi’s air pollution, the Catalyst has also focused on improving data on transport sector emissions to better understand gender-differentiated exposure and vulnerability.
“At WRI, we are proponents of change and of ensuring that we have healthier and safe communities,” said Ivy Murgor, Air Quality Program Manager at WRI.
"The Clean Air Catalyst Program has established two air quality monitoring sites in Nairobi," said Murgor. "Notably, the monitoring station at Tom Mboya will play a key role in informing transport interventions in the city by providing high-resolution data."
Ivy Murgor, Air Quality Program Manager, WRI engaging stakeholders at the He4She dialogue /Source: Kwach Photography
A Comprehensive Response is Needed
The Catalyst is developing a gender-responsive transport solution based on the findings of extensive source awareness and prioritization activities. The goal is to reduce emissions from transport in a way that benefits all genders equitably while building the agency of women as clean air catalysts to lead the fight to address air pollution.
A gender-responsive transport solution requires an integrated approach, incorporating the following approaches suggested by participants at the HeforShe Dialogue:
Challenging Harmful Gender Norms: The dialogue emphasized the importance of engaging men and boys in challenging rigid gender roles and harmful social norms that perpetuate sexual and gender-based violence. Promoting alternative and positive forms of masculinity was a key focus as was advancing the concept that everyone has the right to travel safely without fear of harassment or assault.
Raising Awareness: Public transport stakeholders were urged to share their knowledge and disseminate information in their communities to address both air pollution and issues of sexual and gender-based violence. These efforts should be complemented by government policies and initiatives. In June 2021, the Government of Kenya made 12 commitments to end gender-based violence by 2026.
Adopting Eco-Friendly Practices: Matatu and bodaboda operators were encouraged to switch to cleaner, more efficient vehicles to reduce emissions. Proper vehicle maintenance was highlighted as an essential step toward a greener city.
Comprehensive Training: Transport staff, including drivers and conductors, should receive training in gender sensitivity and handling sexual and gender-based violence incidents effectively. This will foster a culture of respect and safety for all commuters.
Strengthening Policies: Authorities must implement and enforce robust policies against harassment and violence in public transport. This includes stringent measures to hold perpetrators accountable and create a safer environment for all.
Call to Action
Matatu owner Jonathan Daniel called on men to set an example for others to follow by protecting the vulnerable against gender-based violence. He also urged his fellow drivers to reduce the sector's environmental impact by maintaining their vehicles properly, reducing fuel wastage, and adopting greener alternatives.
Matatu owner Jonathan Daniel at the He4She dialogue /Source: Kwach Photography
“By implementing green transport solutions, ensuring safe and inclusive systems, and fostering an environment of equality and respect, we can create a more sustainable and safer transport sector for everyone,” Daniel said.
Achieving a pollution-free environment and ending violence in the transport sector requires a concerted effort from governments, businesses, communities, and individuals. ‘'We have to engage a diverse range of stakeholders and champion a plurality of voices if we want to deliver a gender-responsive clean air transport solution for Nairobi’, Murgor concludes. As the Catalyst and its partners move towards implementing the transport solution, they remain committed to making Nairobi’s transport system safer and cleaner for everyone.
