The Role of Men as Champions for Change in Nairobi’s Matatu and Bodaboda Sectors

 Nairobi’s matatu and bodaboda sectors are crucial to the city’s transportation network. They serve millions of commuters daily, offering affordable and accessible transport options. However, these sectors face significant challenges that impact both the environment and the safety of passengers. Among these challenges are pollution, which contributes to the city’s air quality crisis, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), a pervasive issue that affects women and girls using these public transport services.

NAPTA,World Resource Institute, USAID Kenya, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and Nairobi City County partnered in a He for She dialogue under the Clean Air Catalyst Programme aiming for a pollution-free environment and ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the public transport sector.

To end SGBV in the public transport sector, requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders. In June 2021, the Government of Kenya made a valiant decision to end Gender-Based Violence (GBV) including sexual violence by 2026 through 12 commitments.

Pollution in the Matatu and Bodaboda Sectors

Nairobi, like many rapidly growing urban centers, faces a critical air pollution problem. The matatu and bodaboda sectors are significant contributors to this issue due to lack of regular maintenance and emission of harmful pollutants into the air.

Matatus, often overcrowded and running on outdated engines, contribute significantly to the city’s carbon footprint. Meanwhile, bodabodas, which are widely used for short-distance commutes, also contribute to the pollution problem with poorly maintained engines.

“ The Clean Air Catalyst Program has stationed two air quality monitoring sites in Nairobi that provide useful data for addressing air quality,”said  Ivy Murgor, Air Quality Program Manager at WRI.

She explained the importance of addressing air pollution as data from monitoring sites indicated the transport sector as a major pollutant in the city.

“ These practices not only harm the environment but also impact the health and well-being of both men and women. As the city continues to grow, addressing pollution in these sectors is essential for improving public health and achieving a green city.” Explained Ivy.

Ivy Murgor,Air Quality Program Manager at WRI engaging stakeholders in the He for She dialogue.

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the Transport Sector

“ The matatu and bodaboda sectors are hotspots for sexual and gender-based violence. Women, men and girls who rely on these forms of transport often face harassment, verbal abuse, and even physical violence, especially in crowded vehicles or while waiting at busy stations. Matatu crews, in particular, are frequently implicated in these acts, perpetuating a culture of impunity where violence goes unchallenged,” said Alex Kulema,Chairman Nairobi Bodaboda Association.

He explained that need for change is clear as public transport users deserve to move through Nairobi without fear of harassment or violence. This problem is not only a matter of gender equality but also of human dignity and safety.

Speaking during a HE for SHE dialogue aiming to end SGBV in the matatu and bodaboda sector, Purity Munyambu a Gender Specialist at World Resources Institute encouraged men to have more conversations around Gender Based Violence.She also asked men to stop blaming the victims rather  to offer needed support.

“Air pollution affects both men and women, but women face more consequences than men because of the their hormones and the reproductive system. A pregnant woman exposed to air pollution may end up loosing the pregnancy,” said Purity

She mentioned a case where if a woman loses her pregnancy, she might be subjected to gender based violence from family members and the society at large.

Purity Munyambu a Gender Specialist at World Resources Institute having a talk at the He for She dialogue

The Role of Men as Champions for Change

 Men as Environmental Advocates

“ Men in the matatu and bodaboda sectors can play a transformative role in addressing the environmental challenges,” said Jonathan,a stakeholder in the public transport sector.

He further said that the public transport sector should;

• Adopt Eco-Friendly Practices

He encouraged matatu owners and drivers to switch to cleaner, more efficient vehicles that reduce emissions..

• Create Awareness

He asked men in leadership positions within the public transport sector help raise awareness about the importance of reducing pollution, by organizing workshops, engaging with local communities and work with government agencies to push for implementation of better policies.

• Lead by Example

He called on men to take the initiative of maintaining their vehicles properly, reducing fuel wastage, and adopting greener alternatives, thus setting  example for others to follow.

Men as Allies in Ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

“ Men’s involvement in addressing SGBV is critical. As key figures in the matatu and bodaboda sectors, they can take several actions to create safer spaces for women,” said Charles Aholi, Executive Director NAPTA

He pointed out ways on how it can be achieved including;

• Establishing Zero-Tolerance Policies

He called upon leaders within the public transport sectors whether matatu owners, crew members, or bodaboda associations to adopt zero-tolerance policies for sexual harassment.

• Community Engagement and Education

“ Men can lead community discussions on the importance of respecting women’s rights and the need to eliminate violence in the transport sector. Through mentorship and training programs, they can engage younger male drivers and riders, teaching them about the negative effects of SGBV and how to combat it.” Added Aholi.

• Collaboration with Government and the Public

“ The journey to a pollution-free and violence-free matatu and bodaboda sector requires collective action. Men in the sector can collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local authorities, and advocacy groups to push for policies and programs that benefit the entire society.” Said Aholi.

To ensure the success of these efforts, men in Nairobi’s matatu and bodaboda sectors have been urged to take several practical steps:

Join Workshops and Training: Participating in training programs that focus on environmental sustainability and gender sensitivity will help men understand how they can contribute to a safer and cleaner sector.

Advocate for Change: Speaking out against pollution and gender-based violence using platforms within the matatu and bodaboda community will challenge harmful behaviors and encourage better practices.

Encouraging Green Transport Solutions: Men who own or operate matatus and bodabodas should invest in cleaner technologies and promote eco-friendly practices within their community.

Charles Aholi, Executive Director NAPTA

The Power of Men in Shaping a Better Future

Men in the matatu and bodaboda sectors have the power to drive significant positive change in Nairobi. By becoming champions for a pollution-free environment and advocating for an end to sexual and gender-based violence, they can create a transport sector that is safer, cleaner, and more sustainable for everyone. The path to change begins with each man taking responsibility and leading by example.