This archive report was first published on 14 July 2019.
Published on July 14, 2019, the economic boom along the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) corridor in Makueni County has been a welcome change for residents.
Towns such as Emali, Kibwezi, and Mtito Andei have witnessed a surge in economic activities, thanks to the increased number of travellers booking from these stations.
Small businesses, including eateries, hotels, and shops, have sprouted up along the SGR corridor, transforming the once sleepy towns into bustling hubs of activity.
The influx of boda boda operators has also contributed to the economic growth, ferrying passengers to and from the stations.
For boda boda operator Jefferson Mativo, the peak seasons have brought in significant earnings, with some days netting up to Sh3,000.
Mativo, who has operated in the town for six years, attributes the growth to the increased business and expresses a desire for the government to increase the number of trains plying the Nairobi-Mombasa route.
Regular travellers like Salma Hamisi have also benefited from the modern train, citing convenience and saved travel time as major advantages.
