Across the globe, public transport acts as an indispensable anchor for our daily routines, driving the vitality of our cities, bolstering economic growth, and advancing green, sustainable development. Established by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), this new annual observance underscores the ways in which buses, trains, and rail systems form the core infrastructure of modern urban centers.Under this year’s powerful campaign theme, “One Day. Millions of Journeys,” the day highlights how our collective daily transits connect us all. Without a robust public transport network, our economies stall, environmental challenges rise, and communities become isolated. On Friday, 17 April 2026, Nairobi proudly joined the global stage to mark this historic milestone.
The significant day commenced with a powerful social media statement from the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, who noted: “Kenya moves because of the resilience of commuters and the dedication of the transport sector. Public Transport is the vital link to livelihoods and the economy. The Ministry is committed to providing the framework, safety, and order that allows this great national engine to run smoothly for everyone.”
This milestone was made possible through an unprecedented multi-agency collaboration, showcasing a unified commitment to transforming urban transit. Convened by the Nairobi County Transport and Safety Committee (CTSC), the local initiatives united key regulatory, enforcement, and industry bodies, including the State Department of Transport (SDoT), NaMATA, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the National Police Service (NPS), and the Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS). Together, these partners pooled resources and expertise to advocate for a sustainable, accessible, and seamlessly integrated urban mobility future.
The inaugural celebrations were built on two high-energy pillars designed to bring the transport conversation directly to the citizens of Nairobi. The day kicked off with a high-visibility walk from Upper Hill to Kencom, CBD. Symbolising our collective, cross-sector effort to enhance urban connectivity, the parade drew immense public interest. Keeping spirits high, the vibrant NCCG marching band energised the crowds, filling the streets with spectacular instrumental renditions of favourite Kenyan songs.
Simitalneously, Kencom Square transformed into a bustling public showcase. This dedicated hub allowed core regulatory and transport bodies—including NaMATA, NCCG, FPTS, SDoT, NTSA, and the NPS—to engage directly with commuters, demonstrate current service offerings, and gather vital public feedback.
Beyond the celebrations, the event served as a critical platform for shaping the future of Nairobi’s transport landscape. Leaders delivered bold visions for the city, emphasising that infrastructure must always serve the human experience. As Nairobi City County CECM Ibrahim Auma noted, “Every journey begins and ends on foot… technology doesn’t move cities, people do.”
In his address, CECM Ibrahim Auma stressed the vital importance of Non-Motorised Transport (NMT), first- and last-mile connectivity, and making public transit universally accessible. Key policy proposals highlighted during the event included transforming the bodaboda sector to drastically improve safety, deepening community public participation to ensure citizens directly shape transport policies, and introducing a streamlined shortcut reporting system to guarantee faster emergency response times and greater accountability on our roads.
Reinforcing this progressive vision, UITP Head of Africa Laverne Dimitrov reminded stakeholders that public transit is far more than concrete and steel. She emphasised that public transport is a transformative tool for shaping cities, connecting diverse communities, and unlocking unprecedented economic growth, urging even deeper collaboration across all transport sectors to build a more equitable city.
Crucially, Laverne Dimitrov issued a direct call for national recognition of the industry’s workforce: “I also want to thank and recognise the National Government of Kenya, and also ask them, using this platform, to honour the heroes of public transport, to honour our drivers, our planners, engineers, and the informal sector by awarding them.”
At its core, World Public Transport Day was a moment of profound gratitude. While we discuss big data, infrastructure, and policy frameworks, Nairobi would ground to a halt without the dedication of its transit workforce. NaMATA extends its deepest appreciation to the drivers, conductors, mechanics, dispatchers, and traffic marshals who work tirelessly behind the scenes. You are the unseen workforce keeping our millions of journeys moving safely every single day.
As we look beyond this inaugural celebration, NaMATA remains committed to working hand-in-hand with our partners and the public to deliver a world-class, integrated transport system that Nairobi truly deserves.
Insights from UITP Africa
Watch the video below to view an exclusive, sit-down Q&A with UITP Head of Africa Laverne Dimitrov, where she shares her broader insights on the significance of World Public Transport Day, drawing on various African examples to highlight the vital role of public transit across the region.
