HAS THE INFRASTRUCTURE IN KENYA GROWN?

What comes in your mind when you hear about infrastructure? Probably you can come up with different understanding about it. Infrastructure can simply be defined as, “the physical components of interrelated systems providing services which are essential for sustainability of an economy’s functionality”. Infrastructure is composed of:

a) Transport systems

b) Telecommunications

c) Energy

d) Water supply/irrigation

And many more.

In Kenya, infrastructure is the key determinant of development. For instance, good health, productivity, education and income is determined by the availability and comprehensiveness of infrastructure. Since 2014, the ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has been implementing an ambitious road annuity program that will see the construction of many roads which is rise of success over the years.

Airport infrastructure, Maritime infrastructure, railway and housing infrastructure, urban infrastructure and commercial infrastructure such as hotel have improved over the years increasing the country’s per Capita income GDP. The following link gives an overview of the progress of infrastructure in kenya in terms of market, production and income, “Kenya – Construction and Infrastructure | Privacy Shield” https://www.privacyshield.gov/article?id=Kenya-Construction-and-Infrastructure

During the COVID-19 pandemic, infrastructure in terms of income went down due to the safety measures that were placed by the government through The Ministry of health council. Reducing the country’s income as well as the productivity of the country. The total number of passenger ( whether air, rail or road ) carried per year drastically dropped. Below is a link with more information on how the COVID-19 affected the transport industry

As much as the COVID-19, affected the infrastructure in Kenya, it can be said that atleast the infrastructure has grown. By vision 2030 Kenya would have met it’s goal to provide sustainability to it’s citizens. During the pandemic, infrastructure in terms of its growth, construction and development was not much affected per say as in terms of income and productivity.

This simply tells you that, the sector of infrastructure is in a better position to increase the country’s GDP. Much needs to be done on the investment part, this is because lack of funds has hindered the success of good infrastructure which when looked into will bring forth the country’s attainability by 2030. What do you think?