This paper focuses on the importance of adopting urban mobility policies and strategies with particular needs of the urban poor in the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi. Sixty (60)% of the city's population (about3.8 million) live in over 100 informal settlements with inadequate infrastructure services. The paper examines the key development challenges in the transportation sector in terms of rapid urbanization amidst dwindling resources, inadequate basic infrastructure services, poor or no maintenance of existing network and other development bottlenecks. The paper also discusses the effectiveness of the strategies used in reaching the majority poor in Nairobi in terms of poverty reduction and improved standards of living. The key factors considered here include; landuse planning, access to employment, education and health services. Some questions arising are: What cost ―reductions are entailed by the poor in time and money spent on journey ― to ― work, reaching out ― put markets, health services and other amenities? Are the infrastructure services adequate, efficiently provided or sustainable? The experiences of Nairobi City Council, a local authority in the implementation of three World Bank ― Kenya Government Funded Projects, namely; Kenya Urban Transportation and Infrastructure Project 1994 ― 1999 and El Nino Rehabilitation Project 1999 to 2002 and DFID funded Nairobi Urban Poverty Partnership Project 2002 ― 2004 are outlined. The lessons learnt are particularly interesting in terms o f urban mobility and urban management policies. In addition, the major bottlenecks hindering efficient provision of infrastructure services are outlined. The key ones, among others are; mismanagement, non maintenance of existing services, lack of integration and minimum participation by the community especially informal sector in the formulation and implementation of urban mobility policies and projects. In conclusion, recommendations to resolve contemporary transportation problems are highlighted as well as the necessary reforms in priority areas. The ultimate goal being good governance namely; efficiency, transparency, competitive markets and sustainance of transportation sector in the urban fabric for the benefit of all.
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