President Uhuru Launches KSh150 Billion SGR Phase 2A

The president has launched Phase 2A of the Standard Gauge Railway running from Nairobi to Suswa and covering 120 kilometres.

China Communication Construction Company was the main contractor taking three years to complete the railway project.

Once the project achieves the full potential it will connect Naivasha to Mombasa via Nairobi thus easing movement of goods.

See also: Cabinet approves expressway project linking JKIA to Westlands

Criticism

However, the SGR Phase 2A may be underutilized as it ends in an area far from any major town or population.

Furthermore, low cargo volumes for the Mombasa Nairobi SGR may haunt the new line because of delays in completion of cargo ports at Mai Mahiu and Naivasha.

On top of that, the decision by the Chinese government to cut funding for the extension of the line to Kisumu citing viability concerns may limit the completion of the SGR Phase 2A line.

The launch comes as protests ensue in Mombasa over economic woes arising from directive forcing cargo owners to use SGR.

Related:

Kisumu SGR still in the works- Transport CS

Naivasha –Kisumu SGR put on hold