This archive report was first published on 15 October 2019.
On October 16, 2019, the Nairobi-Naivasha standard gauge railway (SGR) line was opened for passenger services, but cargo services were delayed due to issues with modernising the old line to Uganda and constructing a dry port in Naivasha.
Kenya Railways acting managing director Philip Mainga confirmed the start of the passenger service but did not provide details on the cargo freight, which is crucial for generating revenues to pay the Chinese operator and China loans used for its construction.
The passenger services on the Sh150 billion line will only be available in four of the 12 stations, including Ongata Rongai, Ngong, Maai Mahiu, and Suswa.
“Passengers will start using the route on Wednesday,” Mr Mainga told the Business Daily in a phone interview without giving details on fares and frequency of the trains on the new track.
The launch of the Nairobi-Naivasha line has been muted, unlike the Sh320 billion Mombasa-Nairobi line that was opened in May 2017 with great fanfare, attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta and top Chinese officials.
State House remained non-committal on whether Mr Kenyatta would flag off the train to Suswa, with officials at the Transport ministry remaining guarded.
China Communications and Construction Company, which built the Nairobi-Naivasha line, has been conducting test runs on the new line ahead of its launch.
