East African Transport Infrastructure: The Cases of Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania

Abstract

East African region is one of the underdeveloped regions in the world with untapped natural resources. With the increase in population size, countries’ infrastructural development is a key in assuring sustainable development and hence assures food security. Although the region has a huge economic development potential, yet it is well characterized with high poverty level. This study therefore focuses on critically reviewing the existing literatures on accessibility, quality and challenges of road and air transport infrastructure in the region and its importance for regional integration focusing on Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. Graphs are used to describe the secondary data obtained from World Bank. Hence, insufficient transport facilities, high cost of infrastructure development and poor transport management are the main challenges in the region. Transport facilities promote production of goods and services and ensure their proper distribution channel to avoid regional inequalities and scarcity of goods and services. The quality of both road and air transport in Kenya is better than in Ethiopia and Tanzania with value of above world median index. Moreover, improving the overall system of the transport infrastructure will play a significant impact on the economic development of respective countries and the region. In conclusion, with the increased flow of population and trade integration between countries, transportation access and system of implementing institutions need to be improved. Key words: East Africa, transport system, sustainable development, quality of roads, quality of air transport.