Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya Railways celebrated the 8th anniversary of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) operations, highlighting its pivotal role in reshaping Kenya’s transport, trade, and tourism sectors. Since its launch, the SGR has become a cornerstone of the country’s infrastructure, driving economic growth and regional connectivity.
A Decade of Safe and Efficient Operations
Kenya Railways Managing Director, Mr. Philip Mainga, hailed the SGR’s accident-free record over the past eight years as a monumental achievement. “Moving millions of passengers and cargo safely, efficiently, and reliably is a testament to Kenya’s engineering and operational excellence,” he said during the anniversary celebrations.
The SGR has revolutionized domestic tourism, with eight out of ten tourists now opting for the train, particularly for trips to coastal destinations like Mombasa and wildlife-rich regions such as Tsavo. The addition of new stations, including Suswa, has further improved access to iconic attractions like the Maasai Mara.
Expanding Services for Passengers and Trade
To enhance passenger convenience, Kenya Railways announced plans to launch a direct transfer service between Mombasa Terminus and Mombasa Island by late June or early July. Additionally, a fourth passenger train will be introduced on the Nairobi-Mombasa route later this year, likely as an evening or night service to accommodate growing demand.
In a major boost for Kenya’s export sector, the railway unveiled 20 state-of-the-art refrigerated containers designed to transport perishable goods—such as flowers, avocados, meat, and fish—directly to international markets in Europe and Asia. These containers, capable of maintaining temperatures as low as -8°C, are set to transform Kenya’s cold-chain logistics.
Unmatched Efficiency and Future Expansion
Kenya Railways Board Chairman, Mr. Abdi Bare, emphasized the SGR’s unmatched efficiency, noting that it moves the equivalent of 120 buses (7,250 passengers) and 1,000 twenty-foot containers daily between Nairobi and Mombasa—all with zero accidents in eight years.
Looking ahead, Mr. Mainga confirmed that plans to extend the SGR to Malaba via Kisumu (Phases 2B and 2C) are progressing well, with environmental and relocation assessments nearing completion and financing discussions advancing.
Meanwhile, repairs on the flood-damaged metre-gauge railway at Kijabe are 50% complete, with full restoration expected by the end of 2024.
A Symbol of Kenya-China Partnership
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Guo Haiyan, commended the SGR as a flagship project under Kenya Vision 2030 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). “The SGR stands as a shining example of our shared commitment to infrastructure development, economic growth, and enduring friendship,” she said.
As Kenya Railways marks this milestone, the SGR continues to be a driving force in regional trade, tourism, and sustainable development, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the years ahead.
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