The Kenyan government has recently agreed to extend the standard gauge railway (SGR) from Naivasha to the Malaba border, which has been welcomed by Uganda. This development is expected to connect the cities of Mombasa and Kampala. Kenya has set a plan to extend the SGR to Kisumu, Malaba, and Isiolo by June 2027, with an estimated cost of KShs2.1 trillion (Ushs56t).
The Ministry of Works and Transport in Uganda expressed satisfaction with Kenya’s decision, as Uganda has been urging its neighbor to extend the railway to the border as per the connectivity agreements in 2014. Initially proposed in 2014 by regional leaders from Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Rwanda, the SGR project faced delays and funding challenges. However, Kenya has now resolved its internal issues, allowing the project to move forward.
Railway transportation is cost-effective and alleviates pressure on road systems, which are often affected by weather and other challenges. The extension of the SGR from Naivasha through Kisumu to Malaba will enhance connectivity and support Uganda’s plans to commence construction of its own SGR in August this year. Uganda secured funding from a commercial bank and contracted a Turkish company to construct the railway line from Malaba to Kampala at a cost of $2.2 billion.
The government of Uganda is currently engaged in compensating and relocating individuals residing in areas that will be affected by the railway line’s construction. The final stages of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Yapi Merkezi, the Turkish firm responsible for construction, are underway, with the aim of commencing construction in the next financial year.
Would you like to get published on this Website? You can now email Uganda Times: an Opinion, any breaking news, Exposes, story ideas, human interest, articles, or any interesting videos: [email protected]. Or join the Ugandatimes WhatsApp Group or Telegram Channel for the latest updates
