This archive report was first published on 6 August 2020.
On August 6, 2020, the Nairobi-Nanyuki Railway line was officially refurbished, marking a significant milestone in Kenya's transportation infrastructure. The project, which cost Sh1.8 billion, was funded by Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) as part of their remittances to the exchequer in the form of special dividends.
According to Petroleum Principal Secretary Andrew Kamau, the railway transport is a cheaper way to transport fuel than road because it is faster and safer. He expressed excitement that the project was executed within a few months, thanks to the funds provided by KPC.
Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi concurred that the refurbished line will open a new chapter in the region's economy, which he approximated to be about one trillion shillings. The line will enable the importation of critical products such as fuel and farm inputs, as well as improve the capacity to export homegrown agricultural products to intended markets on time and in an efficient way.
With the line now ready to open up several economic opportunities in the region, Vivo Energy Kenya has already signed up as an anchor client, ready to utilise the line by ferrying fuel from Nairobi to Nanyuki for easy access to consumers in several counties in the region.
