Kenya is planning to partner with private sector investors to fund the expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Malaba, aiming to improve the transportation of goods across the East African Community.
The initiative is expected to create special economic zones along the railway corridor, fostering economic growth in the regions where these zones are established.
Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized that this extension will play a crucial role in connecting Kenya with its neighboring countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
During a ministerial meeting in Mombasa, Murkomen discussed the roadmap for completing the remaining SGR sections, with the goal of enhancing cross-border trade and connectivity.
“The ultimate objective under the African-Infrastructure Network is to ensure we connect the East Coast here in Mombasa and the West Coast through Duala in Cameroon.
We desire to make sure the seamless connectivity happens from our sister countries all the way to DRC,” said Murkomen.
He also mentioned that the estimated cost for the SGR extension from Naivasha to Malaba, along with upgrades around Kisumu Port, is around USD 5.3 billion (Ksh.700.3 billion).
Murkomen described this cost as “quite reasonable” given the project’s scope and potential benefits.
Additionally, Murkomen highlighted the importance of climate-resilient infrastructure, noting that SGR’s durability is crucial in light of the region’s changing weather patterns.
He stressed the need to build infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events, such as floods and storms, and to incorporate measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Considering the phenomenon that is in our region, Rwanda, Tanzania and all other places where we are facing climate change, when we are constructing infrastructures like SGR, we must be cognizant of also climate resilient infrastructure meaning we must contribute to the greenhouse emissions and put mitigation measures,” he explained.
Murkomen’s vision for the SGR extension not only promises to improve connectivity and trade within the East African region but also aims to support sustainable development and environmental resilience.
North Korea’s Propaganda Pop: A TikTok Sensation With A Hidden Agenda