This archive report was first published on 14 July 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to shape our world, the transportation sector in Kenya has been significantly impacted. With the shift from moving citizens to keeping transportation systems operational, organizations have had to adjust their strategies to ensure freight and key essential workers can continue to move.
One of the most significant effects of this shift has been the sudden change in sources of revenue for transportation operators. Many organizations have experienced an unexpected shortfall in their finances, making it essential for them to plan for a return to normal operations once the lockdown measures have been lifted.
Transportation organizations will need to strike a balance between reduced operations and providing enough capacity for key workers to practice social distancing. This will be a challenging task, but it is crucial for the sector to continue operating throughout the pandemic.
On a more positive note, the government has been working on a comprehensive overhaul of the country's transportation system. The goal is to make the system more sustainable, accessible, affordable, and safe, while providing Kenyans with true transportation alternatives to trips made in single-occupancy vehicles.
The government's plan includes developing a high-capacity, high-speed, high-frequency transit network, which will feature new modes of transit and improvements to existing services. This ambitious project is underpinned by transformative trends shaping the mobility agenda in 2020 and beyond.
However, the pandemic has also highlighted the need for organizations to replan and reprioritize their investment programs in light of decreased revenue. They will need to ensure the availability of key personnel to keep networks operational and adapt to changing commuting and traveling patterns.
Transportation leaders will be defined by their ability to manage a crisis, respond, recover, and thrive. They should determine the cost and revenue implications of low ridership, protect core assets, and engage with government and other stakeholders to create contingency plans for the resumption of service.
As the government looks for innovative ideas to reshape the transportation network, understanding these trends is a first step in navigating today's fast-changing mobility landscape.
