For most Kenyans, a trip to the market is as simple as hopping into a matatu. However, for nearly one million individuals with physical disabilities, such a journey can be 15 times more challenging.
A recent survey focusing on adults with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) revealed that an overwhelming 90% identified public transport as the most significant barrier to their independence. This challenge surpassed even standing unsupported (83%) and using the toilet (76%).
“Functional problems and environmental barriers are prevalent among adults living with traumatic spinal cord injury in Kenya,” states the study published this week.
According to the 2019 census, about 910,000 Kenyans live with some form of disability, with approximately 480,000 experiencing physical disabilities that hinder mobility. The current study surveyed 90 Kenyan adults with TSCI, all of whom had lived with their condition for over a year. Participants were recruited from the National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital in Nairobi, the only public specialized rehabilitation facility in the country.
The researchers highlighted that public transportation poses a significant hurdle for many, impacting both mobility and social and economic participation. The study, titled “Activity Limitations, Participation Restrictions, and Environmental Barriers Among Persons with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury in Kenya,” was published in the Disability and Rehabilitation journal.
The researchers also examined additional environmental barriers limiting independence. A staggering 96% of participants cited inadequate finances as a major obstacle, while 92% reported inaccessibility of public spaces, and 90% faced challenges with long-distance transportation.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), individuals with disabilities find inaccessible and unaffordable transport to be 15 times more challenging than those without disabilities. The WHO’s Status Report on Road Safety 2023 indicates that Kenya ranks among the top five African countries with the most dangerous roads, with about 10,000 Kenyans injured in road accidents each year, many resulting in permanent spinal injuries.
A separate 2019 analysis by the Open Institute Ability Programme found that many buildings and streets in Nairobi are unfriendly to individuals with disabilities. Despite existing legislation aimed at ensuring a barrier-free environment, implementation remains a significant issue. Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi emphasized that while the Persons with Disability Act has been in place since 2003, its enforcement has been lacking.
On Wednesday, road safety advocate Patrick Kinyanjui called on the government to prioritize public safety. “There should be coordination at different levels of government. Road safety is a human right. We need to focus on proactive measures beyond just blaming road users,” he stated. Kinyanjui serves as the regional coordinator for the Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety Africa Chapter.
Binta Sako, WHO’s lead on rehabilitation in Africa, noted that enforcing the use of seat belts and helmets can significantly reduce road deaths. “While these measures won’t prevent crashes, they can mitigate the impact on individuals involved,” she explained.
According to the Ministry of Health, the cost of treating road crash injuries in Kenya amounts to Sh46.1 billion annually. Medical Services PS Harry Kimutai highlighted that road traffic injuries rank as the ninth leading cause of death in the country. “In addition to fatalities, countless individuals suffer serious injuries, leading to long-term impairments and lifelong disabilities,” he stated.
