Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) – The grave crisis that Kenya fell into at the start of the year has had serious consequences on the economic development of the eastern and central African nations. This has been confirmed in a study done by the United Nations that shows that the most affected countries have been: Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda. Prior to the crisis, experts calculated that in 2008, the expansion rate in these nations, in addition to Kenya, would be 6%. Now, there is only an expected 1.5%.
This comes as a consequence to the fact that Kenya is at the crux of exports and imports for the entire area. For example, over 80% of Uganda’s foreign trade and all of that of Rwanda pass through the Port of Mombasa, as does the international humanitarian aid for Burundi. The eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan depend on the Kenyan port, as well. In order to reach the north, there is a network of interstate highways that goes from Kenya to nearby countries, which is used on a daily basis by 4,000 automobiles, 1,250 trucks, and 400 buses in transporting nearly 10 million tons of shipments to Sudan, Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda. And all this vital work was placed on hold in January and February, due to at least 40 blockades established in Kenyan territory.
Kenyan territory is also used in transporting humanitarian aid for over 7 million refugees from all over the region (mainly South Sudán, Burundi, Uganda, and Tanzania) that depend on assistance from international humanitarian aid organizations.
The 2008 crisis has revealed the excessive dependence that the eastern and central African nations have on the logistical structures of Kenya, especially the Port of Mombasa. Studies are underway to find solutions in reducing this dependence, however time is needed until they become effective. The Eastern African Community is performing studies to see how they can create an integral system of infrastructures at the service of the entire region. The country that could be most benefited would be Tanzania, as it borders the sea. However, international investments are needed for projects that must also overcome environmental obstacles. All this requires political stability, in order to attract social-economic powers. The Kenyan crisis leaves many lessons yet to be learned. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 16/6/2008)
