Transport Infrastructure
In 2017, the Goethe-Institut Kenya in partnership with Twaweza Communications and the DAAD is organising a series of monthly dialogue forums on the upcoming general elections. Our panels of facilitators are discussing various issues that will be determined through daily monitoring of key election related events, as well as the underlying structural challenges for Kenya.
Our July session, our last edition before the Kenyan elections, will be about an issue that was one of the most requested topics at our initial session in February: traffic infrastructure. Transportation infrastructure provision and transport services are part of a dynamic system that is subject to political persuasion and influences. For a very long time in Kenya, transport infrastructure has been used by politicians to reward loyal voting regional blocks and loyal political leaders. This is because they perceive transport infrastructure provision and related services as an important campaign item which can be used to sway voters. Since the promulgation of the 2010 Kenyan constitution, transport infrastructure has played an important role in all levels of political competition, from the Ward, Constituency, County and National level (Presidency). Candidates’ commitment to transport infrastructure projects is often used by voters in making decisions on who to vote for.
During this session on transport infrastructure and voter expectations in 2017, the discussions will highlight the commitments by various political parties and coalitions in addressing transport infrastructures and how their commitments will address voters' felt mobility needs in the next five years. Given that transport infrastructure is constantly evolving due to changes in technology, policy, economics, demographics and even culture or values, there will be will be discussion about the possible connection of the various transport infrastructure projects from national to County level and how this may possibly inform voter decision. Additionally, there will be conversation about women who are the major voting block and how transport infrastructure projects (both planned and implemented) could inform their voting behaviour.
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