By David Rupiny
Uganda and Kenya are working on three key transport projects that will improve trade and export linkages between the two countries, the region, and globally.
The projects are: extension of the standard gauge railway from Naivasha to Malaba then to Kampala, the dualling of the Nairobi-Kampala highway, and extension of the oil pipeline from Eldoret in Kenya to Kampala.
Speaking at the commissioning of a 500-million-dollar steel mill in the Ugandan eastern town of Tororo, Kenyan President said the transport projects are aimed at facilitating faster movement of goods and people between Uganda and Kenya and the region.
Both President Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Museveni, said their governments will coinvest in and jointly the transport projects.
President Museveni said the current transport system is “irrational” with cars, light trucks, cargo trucks and fuel tankers all using the narrow road.
He said, “We need to rationalize the transport system by separating them. Fuel should pass through the pipeline, cargo on the railway, and the road should be left for light vehicles”.
He added that: “I am very happy with what President Ruto is saying and we shall coinvest in the projects up the border with Congo, Rwanda, and South Sudan”.
Improved transport infrastructure will boost investments as well as exports by significantly reducing time and increasing efficiency.
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