This archive report was first published on 3 July 2020.
On July 3, 2020, governors from the central region of Kenya gathered at Kiganjo to discuss the revival of the Nairobi-Nanyuki metre-gauge railway.
Led by Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia, the governors commended the national government's efforts to revive the railway, which they believe will facilitate cheap and affordable transportation of goods and spur the region's economy.
The railway line, which collapsed in the 1990s, is expected to transport farm produce such as coffee, tea, and horticulture.
"We fully support this noble project," said Kimemia. "It will make doing business cheap, and we will benefit."
However, Kimemia called for the extension of the line to Meru and Nyandarua counties, so that each of the ten counties in the central region can benefit from the infrastructure.
Companies such as Vivo energy have pledged to use the revamped railway infrastructure to transport their goods.
Kimemia also urged the railway corporation to engage settlers who occupied abandoned properties following the collapse of the railway service in a bid to ensure relocations are done humanely.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga was more forthright, saying the revival of the railway line should not come as a regret to local investors amid impending demolitions targeting illegal occupants of railway property.
