By Ian Ortega
The first trip most Ugandans make out of their country is bound to be to Nairobi. The first foreign country that Ugandans become aware of is Kenya. Development wise, assuming steady growth as per Uganda’s current growth rate, Uganda will attain Kenya’s GDP in 2037 (12 years from now). Thus, Uganda is always about a decade away from Kenya. Kenya always presents the future of Uganda.
You could also say, that if an idea works in Kenya, there are high chances it will work in Uganda. Thus, we should fast-track the Kenganda love-affair.
The Kenganda Nation is a merger of Kenya-Uganda. Now, the citizens of both countries continue to showcase this love-affair through cross-attendance of events. Ugandans frequent concerts in Nairobi while Kenyans frequent Ugandan festivals such as Nairobi. Both countries have become the tourism spot of first choice for first time travellers in each country.
Also, the Uganda student population in Kenyan Universities is fast growing with many opting for the private Universities in Kenya such as Strathmore University, Daystar University and United States International University Kenya. It’s proof that the people are moving ahead of their governments in creating this Kenganda nation.
There are cultural examples of Ugandan Influencers opting to make it on the buzzing scene that is the Nairobi creative space. There are heavy Ugandan music influences in Kenya, and equally Kenyan innovations influence in Uganda. When it comes to talent migration, many Ugandans are now comfortably working in the Kenyan corporate space, with some fully settling in permanently.
One could argue that with most of Uganda’s imports and exports transitioning through Kenya, the love-affair was inevitable. What then are the other opportunities to fast-track?
- The Standard-Gauge Railway (SGR) Project
The two countries ought to fast-track their SGR projects. This will open both movement for both people and cargo in and out of both countries. It’s also a massive opportunity for tourism in both countries having a railway line that runs from Mombasa to Kampala.
- Extension of Oil Pipeline from Eldoret to Uganda
There was formal agreement in 2024 to extend the petroleum products pipeline from Eldoret in Kenya to Kampala, Uganda. Kenya is meant to build the pipeline from Eldoret to Malaba. Uganda will then pick up the project from Malaba to Kampala. The advantages here are numerous from drop in the petroleum products cost, to reduction of flammable product trucks on the roads thus increasing road safety.