What the study found
The study found new tensions between Nairobi’s matatu system, a formal transport system meaning indigenous informal minibuses, and the Nairobi Expressway, Kenya’s first major transport public-private partnership (PPP). It describes the expressway as foreign, privatized, and monopolized infrastructure that contrasts with the matatu system’s self-organization and local transport role.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the findings enrich accounts of decolonizing African urbanism and contribute to broader discussions of Global South urbanization and infrastructural politics. The study also suggests that these interactions extend post-colonial discussion into South-South contexts.
What the researchers tested
The researchers examined the relationship between Nairobi’s matatu system and Chinese-backed infrastructure investment in Kenya, focusing on the Nairobi Expressway. They used field observations, surveys, mappings, and interviews conducted between 2022 and 2024 to study socio-economic structures and spatial implications.
What worked and what didn't
The study reports that Chinese contractors, mainly engineering-focused state-owned enterprises, export domestic experiences and visions of modern infrastructure development abroad. It also reports distinct funding structures, operational patterns, development paths, and institutional agents in Chinese infrastructure, and it documents the matatu system’s struggle for access to formal transport infrastructure.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not provide detailed numerical results or specific survey findings. It also does not describe the full limits of the study beyond its focus on Nairobi’s transport infrastructure and the period from 2022 to 2024.
Key points
- The study focuses on tensions between Nairobi’s matatu system and the Nairobi Expressway.
- The Nairobi Expressway is described as Kenya’s first major transport PPP funded, built, and operated by a Chinese contractor.
- Field observations, surveys, mappings, and interviews were used from 2022 to 2024.
- Chinese contractors are described as exporting domestic visions of modern infrastructure development.
- The study says matatus face struggles for access to formal transport infrastructure.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Nairobi Expressway highlights tensions with matatu mobility
- Authors:
- Cheng Chen, Ang Liu
- Institutions:
- Ithaca College, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, University of Virginia
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-27
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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