After political instability, Kenya's lack of infrastructure is perhaps the second biggest risk to investors: irregular water supplies, power outages, poor sewage and drainage systems, and costly transport systems. Be that as it may, all hope is not lost as Kibaki's government has made strides in improvement.
The ambitious KSh 31 billion Lamu Port and South Sudan Ethiopia Transport Corridor project plus the Thika Expressway and the development of the Greenfield Terminal at JKIA are proofs of Kenya's forthcoming, improved, reliable world-class infrastructure. Although much needs to be done, Kenya is on the right track when it comes to having the right infrastructure!
Currently, however, the overall state of infrastructure and accessibility in Kenya is poor. The key areas are:
Water source
Water, a natural resource, is a prerequisite for economic progress and prosperity in Kenya as it powers a number of sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, livestock and hospitality etc.
In the past, national water companies have been associated with ineffective management planning and shortages, as well as poor maintenance of national water infrastructure. Decentralization of water management resources is among efforts to improve water infrastructure in Kenya.
National water access rate: 57%
Sustainable access to clean and safe drinking water in urban areas: 60%
Urban poor access to water: 20%
Access to water in rural areas: 40%
Most urban dwellers, especially in big cities like Nairobi and Mombasa etc, survive on water rationing and only receive water on certain days of the week.
Source of electricity
Electricity infrastructure in Kenya? With constant blackouts and electricity rationing during the dry season, it's nothing to write home about. Businesses and people in Kenya have to incur additional costs, such as fueling generators, to compensate for unreliable electricity supplies. However, rural and urban electrification and the group are among the efforts to increase electricity supply across the country.
Electricity is transmitted, distributed and supplied by the Kenya Power & Lighting Company
Alternative energy sources such as geothermal electricity (80% of currently used energy is geothermal), solar and wind energy are coming to the fore.
Biomass energy accounts for more than 70% of the country's current energy consumption
By 2008, Kenya had generated more than 1,300 MW, with hydropower accounting for more than 70% of capacity.
Waste water
Urban areas in Kenya are overwhelmed by bulging landfills, clogged drains and poor drainage, especially in low-income areas. Although there are plans for improvement, the current sewage infrastructure is quite poor, inaccessible and inadequate.
By 2009, Kenya had 43 sewerage systems spread across 15 cities, which is inadequate given its growing population.
Latrines are commonly used in rural areas and by the urban poor
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