East African road network plans face challenges

Significance

A deal to build the USD1.73bn, 233-kilometre toll road connecting Nairobi with Naivasha, Nakuru and Mau Summit -- Africa’s largest road concession project -- was signed by Ruto’s predecessor, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, in 2019, but was paused when Ruto came to power.

Impacts

• An integrated regional road network will be key to the success of the East African Customs Union.
• Plans for a truly regional network linking the region’s two main transport corridors centred on Kenya and Tanzania remain some way off.
• Climate change, particularly increased flooding, may have a negative impact on the region’s existing and planned road networks.