Kenya is one of Africa’s states that is aware of the importance of rail transport as part of the transport system and tries to focus its investments towards improving and developing the railway infrastructure. To that end, the Government has identified the development of the two standard gauge corridors (SGR) that will ensure freight and passenger transport to the main regions of the country.
The project of the entire line that will provide transport connections to the other African countries is estimated at USD 5.4 billion, the majority of which will be covered by China. The railway will provide connection between the Port of Mombasa and Malaba (to the border with Uganda) on 472 km, being parallel to the North Corridor, through Nairobi and Kisumu. In the first phase, SGR will cross Kwale, Taita Taveta, Makueni, Machakos and Kajiado, from Mombasa, with Nairobi as terminus point.
Phase 2 includes the construction of the rail from Naivasha to Malaba, crossing Narok, Bomet, Nyamira, Kisumu, Yala and Mumias.
Works to Mombasa – Nairobi section were launched at the end of 2014 and are now underway. The rail is expected to become operational as of 2017. The railway company announced in June 2016 that works were 75% completed with 200 km of rail built and works on schedule.
Works to Nairobi –Malaba railway are divided in two sub-phases including the construction of Nairobi – Naivasha section (120 km) and Naivasha – Kisumu section, and from here to Malaba on a segment of 107 km.
In October, President Uhuru Kenyatta officially launched construction works for Nairobi – Malaba, on Nairobi – Naivasha section. “This project will come with so many benefits for the citizens. It will make transport faster and easier and improve our economy. Those that will be affected in one way or another will be compensated. The National Land Commission will commence payment on determining the total cost and, also upon the approval of the final route by the National Environmental Tribunal,” the President said. With a length of 120 km, the project of this section includes the construction of 4 tunnels (with a total length of 7.75 km) and 9 bridges (with a total length of around 24 km). This year, the Government approved the design works of the section, while the engineering, procurement and construction contract was signed with China Communications Construction Company.
For the line project, Kenya signed with Export-Import Bank of China a contract of USD 1.5 billion for financing 85% of the total project, the rest of 15% being ensured by the government. The rail system development strategy includes the development and operation of SGR with link to Malaba (Kenya), and from there to Kampala (Uganda). Mombasa-Nairobi is part of the Northern Economic Corridor (NEC) being a vital element in the development of transport and logistics sector in Eastern Africa.
by Pamela Luica
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