Kisumu, Kenya, 10 December 2021 – To ensure equitable and sustainable mobility, the Kenyan city of Kisumu will implement a car-free day in the city on Saturday, December 11^th.

Sponsored by the County Government of Kisumu, the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), and UN-Habitat, the ambitious Kisumu Sustainable Mobility Plan, is part of 10-year roadmap to remedy existing gaps in current and upcoming infrastructure projects, as well as to offer safe, accessible, sustainable and equitable alternatives.

Kisumu has begun implementing best practice designs that improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists in line with the Kisumu Sustainable Mobility Plan.

The free-cars event will also serve as an opportunity for the city to attract investors in sustainable infrastructure development, during the investment conference, which will be held the week after the event.

Car-free events are crucial in the introduction of the idea of streets as spaces that provide equitable access for all users. During the event, streets will be opened for exclusive access by pedestrians and cyclists and activated by vendors, artists and a trade exhibition.

Local residents, businesses, and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to take part in the planning and design of streets that will help improve transparency and foster the community’s active use and sense of ownership of public spaces.

Under the World Bank-financed Kenya Urban Support Program, Kisumu launched the KES 241 million (about USD 2.1 millon) Kisumu Triangle, and will reconstruct 1.5 km of walkways along Oginga Odinga Street, Ang’awa Avenue, and Jomo Kenyatta Highway.

The second phase of the project is currently underway along Nyerere Road, Ondiek Highway, Gumbi Road, Mosque Road, Achieng’ Oneko Rd, Awuor Otieno Road, Omolo Ogar Road, Ang’awa Avenue, and the Oginga Odinga Street.