Bicycle Partnership Program

Urban Matters work week Kisumu (Kenya) 27 September - 3 October 

From 27 September to 3 October 2009 Cordaid organised a work week in Kisumu as part of the Urban Matters programme. During this week different stakeholders who are working on developing the neighbourhood Manyatta were brought together to link their activities and come up with a joint strategy and action plan. Marieke de Wild (I-CE's CSO coordinator) participated in the thematic group on urban transport.

For I-CE it was an opportunity to analyse the context and opportunities for cycling planning in Kisumu. Kisumu is the cycling city of Kenya, with over 16,000 bicycle taxis (called boda bodas), but there are no cycling facilities in place. It is the right time to start planning for cyclists in stead of only for cars. Providing safe cycling facilities in Kisumu would mean that cyclists can cycle in a safe way which might prevent them from moving to motorcycles or cars. 16,000 extra cars would mean that the city would have to deal with issues as congestion, fumes, safety, liveability, etc. I-CE is exploring supporting Kisumu Municipal Council in the process of cycling-inclusive planning.

Click here for a video of the last day of the Urban Matters work week in Kisumu.