The NCIP seeks to open markets and support trade by providing a transportation gateway through Kenya to landlocked countries like Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, and South Sudan.
Key projects under NCIP include the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway, regional power trade, the strengthening of a single customs territory, and collaboration of infrastructure technology, including regional mobile financial services, and the implementation of the One Network Area. These initiatives are expected to spur economic development and promote regional integration.
The Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency forms the mainstay of the regional transportation system for import and export of goods and transport of passengers. It was established in 2006 to connect Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo through roadways, rail, and inland waterways. Key programs include transport policy and planning, customs and trade facilitation, infrastructure development, logistics and transit facilitation, and communications and advocacy.
The ongoing economic transformation and regional integration initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa have increased the demand for skilled labour. Some sectors may provide opportunities to develop regional markets and value chain: regional power pools, digital and telecom markets, aviation markets, financial services, agriculture products, and the market for skilled labour.
However, there is a large gap in the demand and supply of skills in Africa. Low levels and quality of education and training impedes the productivity of the African labour force and perpetuates the vicious cycle of low economic growth, low diversification, and low education development.
The East African Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP) is designed to address challenges in skills shortage and mismatch, by providing technical, financial and industry partnership to increase access and improve the relevance and quality of training programs in the 16 selected regional TVET flagship institutes.
With focus on Transport and Infrastructure EASTRIP project supports the development of highly specialized TVET programs in marine and port logistics, building and highway infrastructure, railway and road construction for training of technicians and TVET faculty. The following institutes have been selected as Regional Flagship TVET Institutes for Skills Development in Transport and Infrastructure.
Ethiopia
| Regional Flagship TVET Institute | Focus |
| Railway Meles Zenawi Memorial TVET Polytechnic College | Railway |
| Ethiopia Railway Academy | Railway |
| Kombolcha TVET Polytechnic College | Road |
Kenya
| Regional Flagship TVET Institute | Focus |
| Kenya Coast National Polytechnic | Marine |
| Meru National Polytechnic | Building Infrastructure |
| Kenya Institute of Highway and Building Technology | Highway infrastructure |
Tanzania
| Regional Flagship TVET Institute | Focus |
| National Institute of Transport | Air |