Authors: Roseline Momanyi1 Elijah Mwasi Mwanyika2 Robert Kabage3
1,2&3National Defence University
P.O. Box 24381- 00502, Nairobi, Kenya
Abstract: Transnational development initiatives have emerged as important instruments through which states advance national interests by promoting regional integration, economic competitiveness, and geopolitical influence. The LAPSSET Corridor is a strategic Kenyan development initiative and flagship project of the country’s grand strategy. This article assessed the geopolitical implications of the LAPSSET Corridor as a transnational project. The study adopted a mixed-methods design, combining cross-sectional survey and explanatory research approaches. The target population comprised LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority officials, Ministry of Transport officials, investors, foreign partner governments, international organisations, private-sector stakeholders, civil society organisations, and communities along the corridor. Purposive and snowball sampling yielded 384 respondents. Primary data were collected using questionnaires and interview guides, while secondary data were obtained from project reports, policy documents, agreements, master plans, budgetary documents, media reports, and academic literature. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings indicate that the LAPSSET Corridor is perceived as a significant geopolitical instrument capable of strengthening Kenya’s regional influence, enhancing relations with Ethiopia and South Sudan, and promoting economic integration in the Horn of Africa. However, concerns regarding unequal distribution of benefits, land disputes, environmental challenges, limited local socioeconomic development, foreign influence, regional instability, and sociopolitical exclusion were identified. The study concludes that LAPSSET is broadly aligned with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and aspirations for regional integration, economic transformation, and infrastructural modernisation. The study recommends establishing an institutional task force to harmonise strategic infrastructure policies with regional and international commitments and safeguard Kenya’s strategic interests in foreign investments.
Keywords: East African Community, Regional Integration, Geopolitical, Kenya’s Grand Strategy, Transport Corridor, Domestic Investors, LAPSSET
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Momanyi, R., Mwanyika, E.M., and Kabage, R. (2026). Geopolitical Implications of the Lapsset Corridor as a Transnational Project. African Research Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 13(2), 55-69. Available at https://arjess.org/uploads/geopolitical-implications-of-the-lapsset-corridor-as-a-transnational-project.pdf