African Research and Resource Forum: Research Networking and Regional Development Policy-Making in the East African Community (EAC) Adero, N.J. & Aligula, E.M. (2012) CHALLENGES FACING TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY Nashon Adero 1 and Eric Aligula 2 Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) P.O. Box 56445, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254-20-2719933/4; Fax: +254-20-2719951 E-mail: 1 nashon.adero@gmail.com; 2 mealigula@gmail.com; www.kippra.org How to cite: Adero, N.J., & Aligula, E.M. (2012). Challenges Facing Transport Infrastructure in the East African Community. In African Research and Resource Forum: Research Networking and Regional Development Policy-Making in the East African Community (EAC), 90-113. Nairobi: ARRF. First presented at the Regional Policy Forum organised by the African Research and Resource Forum (ARRF), November 25-26, 2010, at the Club Sun N’ Sand, Kilifi, Kenya. Peer-reviewed and published as a book chapter. Abstract The cost of doing business in the East African Community (EAC) is very high relative to other regional blocs. The poor state of regional transport infrastructure and sub-optimal mix of transport modes contribute substantially to this unfavourable fact. This paper used comparative indicators to assess the performance of transport infrastructure in the EAC, middle-level economies and other major players in Africa. It highlighted the key transport master plans in the region and interventions needed for integrated, efficient, and effective regional transport infrastructure network. For greater synergy, the need to construct and invigorate missing and weak links featured strongly. The outcome of this assessment is multifaceted. With respect to particular transport modes, extending pipeline infrastructure in the region promises increased cost-effectiveness and safety in transporting petroleum products. Similar benefits apply to railway infrastructure which, if extended and modernised, will substantially enhance goods freight in the region and further yield positive feedback through cost-savings that can then be channelled to developing and sustaining the rail infrastructure and other supporting transport modes. Inland waterways are underutilised and need to be developed for enhanced contribution to the region’s transport and logistics. Safety standards need to be intensified in all cases, especially road and air transport. Policy harmonisation is necessary to streamline the regional transport infrastructure development, regulation and operations. Under human resource development, the study recommends local capacity building. Improved design and workmanship is key. Optimal utilisation of technology transfer opportunities and policy frameworks comprising cross-country working groups are critical to meeting the region’s transportation planning challenges. In the proposed strategic way forward, the paper recognises the critical role of research and development as well as appropriate technology in reducing operation costs, improving governance, and ensuring environmental sustainability. Also deserving a place in the EAC’s top priority list are