Transport policy impacts public health in Kenya

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆? I was privileged to represent the African Population and Health Research Center on the invitation of the Kenya National Academy Of Sciences (KNAS) at the symposium "Driving Change: Transforming Transport Governance for Sustainable Development in Kenya." My talk highlighted the following key points: 1. The way we design, fund, and govern transportation systems directly impacts public health—through air quality, physical activity, injury prevention, and equitable access to essential services. 2. A health-centered transport policy prioritizes clean, safe, and inclusive mobility options that reduce chronic disease risks, promote mental well-being, and bridge health inequities. 3. By embedding health in every transport decision, we build cities that are not just connected, but healthier, more resilient, and socially just for all. I also shared the work we do in advancing in urban health at APHRC and emphasized the importance of collaborating on a transport research agenda for health—one that meaningfully conceptualizes and supports the design of healthier cities and transport systems. A key challenge that came up was the existence of numerous policies that are not translated into action. I shared the experience and approach adopted by APHRC on best practices in evidence based - policy to impact communications, and the need to be intentional, strategic, proactive to invest in evidence based advocacy and policy making through the establishment of a dedicated Policy Engagement and Communications Unit. I deeply appreciated the symposium’s inclusivity, with participation from diverse sector stakeholders, including Matatu drivers, transport engineers, the National Research Fund, and communications experts.