Physical Mobility Experiences and Access to Worksites Among Small Scale Traders With Special Needs in Nairobi’s Central Business District

Abstract

Most of the PWDs experience high levels of poverty and unemployment. Some work in city spaces that are not planned to meet their needs. While the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 aims at creating safe, resilient, and inclusive cities, persons with special needs face challenges participating in daily activities that include access to worksites in the city. This study explored the physical mobility experience of small-scale traders with special needs accessing worksites in Nairobi City County. Literature review showed a gap in the implementation of policies and planning of cities in low income countries. The objectives aimed at exploring the physical mobility options and experiences of traders with special needs (PWDs) in accessing worksites and their coping strategies. The study assessed their experiences relating to safety, convenience, and mobility costs by using a descriptive research design and a universal design theoretical framework. The findings showed an existing relationship between physical mobility experience and access to worksites. They took longer to access their worksites, experienced safety issues and found it inconveniencing when navigating to worksites. Small-scale traders with special needs adapted by changing the time they accessed their worksites, relying on guardians, or working fewer hours to respond to access challenges. The study recommends embracing a universal design for cities and mobility modes to make them safe, affordable and convenient for all users. Other recommendations include training drivers and conductors on ways to facilitate the physical mobility of persons with special needs in a better way, and designing safe markets within communities. There is also a need for further research on ways of making different forms of motorized transport disability-friendly.