Universal Design Awareness among Urban Planners and Its Impact on Public Transport Systems in Nairobi, Kenya
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Date
2020-02-20Author
Karani, G
Type
ArticleLanguage
en_USMetadata
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The idea of Universal Design began in the 1950s with a new attention to disability in the wake of the major
world wars. Universal Design proposes a collaborative systems approach that benefits from the synergies
of cross-functionalism by approaching the diverse challenges facing society through socially responsible
design. Although the concept of Universal Design application in public transport has been growing through
major legislative initiatives in the developed economies; there is a gap on how developing countries have
integrated the importance and the benefits of Universal Design awareness in transportation systems. The
main objective of this paper was to investigate the level of universal design awareness among professionals
and the general public in relation to public transport systems in Nairobi-Kenya. Using exploratory and
descriptive research design, the study employed a case study approach and utilized mixed methods,
both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The study was carried out in Nairobi County with particular
emphasis on three major bus termini within the CBD including: Ambassador Hotel-KenCom Interchange
and bus termini (as a single section and General Post Office. The subjects of this study were bus drivers
and touts, passengers (public transport users), policy makers, National and County Government officials
in urban planning departments, professionals (engineers, quantity surveyors, designers, architects),
Persons with Disabilities and would be users of public transport. The research results revealed that
universal design is not a common concept known to most public transport users. The major element
of perceptions revolved around cost of universal design application. The study established a lack of a
clear framework and policies on universal design application in public transportation services creates
inconvenience and difficult transfers at transportation system connections. The study concluded that
universal design application in Nairobi city's public transport is key to social inclusion and can strengthen
the urban planning agenda
URI
http://uonjournals.uonbi.ac.ke/ojs/index.php/ahr/article/view/325http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/155027
Citation
Karani, G. (2019). Universal Design Awareness among Urban Planners and Its Impact on Public Transport Systems in Nairobi, Kenya. AFRICA HABITAT REVIEW, 13(1), 1627-1633.Publisher
Africa Habitat Review