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Hand carts should not be so easily dismissed
2008-05-11
In a letter to the Daily Nation KENDAT have highlighted the importance of mkokotenis (hand carts) for both rural and urban livelihoods
Publication Date: 12/30/2007
We at KENDAT are promoters of Intermediate and Non-motorised Means of Transport (NMT). It is such an important topic that the upcoming National Transport Policy will see our mkokotenis (hand carts) legalised, as infrastructure in our cities modified to have side roads for mkokotenis, porters and pedestrians alike.
One wonders about Sunny Bindra (SN, December 9), whose article on the value or otherwise of mkokotenis showed clearly that he lives in the world of gas-guzzling 4WD Suvs.
His amazement at multi-national companies who use mkokoteni services reinforces his lack of knowledge of how a large part of the world works for a living.
Does he not realise that his disparaging remarks refer to an enormous, effective and highly organised means of transport?
This is the most economical means of transport for the business they are used for, serving customers over the whole of Nairobi and also in rural areas, where city by-laws bar donkey power.
These activities provide employment for thousands of people and their families.
Even in the next century, when he moves on to helicopters to beat traffic jams, mkokotenis will remain the best for Wakulima Market.
By Pascal Kaumbutho, Nairobi.
Source: http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/
nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=23&newsid=113623
More information about KENDAT: http://www.kendat.org
