This archive report was first published on 22 August 2019.
Kenya's Strategic Ambition ¶
On August 22, 2019, a section of Kenya's leaders sparked a debate about the new container port in Kisumu, framing it as part of the 'handshake deal' between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr Raila Odinga.
However, the project's true significance lies in its potential to secure Kenya's hinterland accessibility to the port of Mombasa, a crucial aspect of the country's regional strategic interests.
Kenya is engaged in a 'cloak-and-dagger game' with its East African neighbours over economic dominance, with Uganda and Rwanda recently opting to develop infrastructure projects through Tanzania and Dar-es-Salaam port, respectively.
Uganda's decision to route its oil pipeline through Tanzania was motivated by concerns over land compensation costs and insecurity on the route, despite Kenya's offer to use its existing pipeline.
Kenya's strategic interests dictate that it dominate seaports, develop waterway links, and build high-quality transport networks of internal terminals.
The Kisumu project is a step in this direction, aiming to create a high-performance port that connects to the standard gauge railway and forms a fully integrated transportation chain and corridor running to Kigali.
However, the project's implementation has been marred by controversy, including the displacement of fish sellers at the famous 'Lwang'ni' market to give way for the port.
Kenya's leaders must prioritize the country's long-term interests and develop a national interest strategy that aligns with regional infrastructure projects.
