The Makueni County Government, in partnership with Flone Initiative, has taken a bold step toward revolutionizing public transportation with the launch of a comprehensive roadmap aimed at ensuring accessibility, safety, and inclusivity for all.
This initiative stems from a baseline survey conducted earlier this year, which revealed significant challenges faced by vulnerable groups, particularly women and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), in accessing reliable and safe public transport. These challenges have long hindered equitable participation in social and economic activities within the county.
On Wednesday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and Flone Initiative Executive Director Naomi Mwaura formalized the partnership through a signed agreement. Speaking at the event, Governor Mutula emphasized the county’s commitment to fast-tracking short-term interventions while laying a foundation for sustainable long-term solutions.
“Our vision is to build a transport system that serves everyone equally, especially those who have been left out of the conversation for too long. This roadmap provides the strategy and tools we need to move toward that goal,” the governor said.
The roadmap prioritizes the implementation of inclusive infrastructure, such as wheelchair-accessible transport services and designated safety measures for women. It also includes public awareness campaigns and capacity-building programs for transport operators to ensure a culture of equity and safety within the sector.
Flone Initiative, a renowned organization advocating for gender-equitable and inclusive public transport systems, expressed optimism about the collaboration. “This partnership is a testament to what can be achieved when government and civil society come together with a shared vision for change,” said Naomi Mwaura.
As Makueni positions itself as a trailblazer in inclusive mobility, the roadmap is expected to not only improve the transport experience for vulnerable groups but also drive economic growth and social integration across the county.
