By James Anyanzwa and Luke Anami
President Kibaki has called on regional leaders to construct international roads linking various regional trading blocs in Africa, saying improved road network across the borders would create increased opportunities for trade and investment.
"It is not enough to have roads linking various parts of the country. We must have roads linking countries together as well," said Kibaki.
Kibaki was speaking during an event to mark the official opening of Regional Infrastructure Conference in Nairobi on Tuesday.
The three-day conference seeks to review progress made in regional infrastructure development, and deliberate on emerging challenge of climate change within the East African Community.
The conference, which brought together professionals, policymakers, manufacturers and civil society groups, also seeks to come up with practical recommendations for various issues facing infrastructure development in the region.
Kibaki said the region needed to accelerate investments in infrastructure development in order to transform into a globally competitive market that is able to attract increased investments.
"I’m aware that as a region we are undertaking joint projects to address the state of infrastructure. Besides these joint projects, I’m also encouraged that we are making commendable progress at the national level," he said.
He singled out the development of Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport Corridor project, saying this new transport corridor would open up vast parts of Kenya and stimulate economic and social development.
Enhancing trade
Most importantly, he said, the project would link Kenya to Ethiopia and South Sudan through pipeline, railway line and highway, thereby enhancing trade and investments in the region.
"In the long term, this project will contribute to the development of the Trans-Africa highway, which is a key project under the African Union," said Kibaki.
Kibaki noted that Kenya was also undertaking other interventions in infrastructure development — including expansion and modernisation of airports, pipeline, roads and telecommunications — in order to meet the regional demand for efficient transport services.
He also said the Government would continue modernising the port of Mombasa, which is critical in facilitating regional trade and investments.
" I take this opportunity to assure our regional partners of the commitment of my Government to ensuring efficient and timely port services," he said.
Kibaki, however, cited lack of adequate financial resources as one of the greatest challenges of infrastructure development in the region. He urged regional leaders to explore new ways of raising finances, including harnessing domestic savings through capital markets.
