This archive report was first published on 16 October 2019.
The Nairobi-Naivasha standard gauge railway (SGR) line has finally opened for passenger services, marking a significant milestone in Kenya's transportation sector.
According to Kenya Railways acting managing director Philip Mainga, the passenger services will be available in four of the 12 stations, including Ongata Rongai, Ngong, Maai Mahiu, and Suswa.
However, the launch of the cargo business has been delayed due to delays in modernizing the old line to Uganda and constructing a dry port in Naivasha.
"Passengers will start using the route on Wednesday," Mr Mainga said in a phone interview, without giving details on fares and frequency of the trains on the new track.
The launch of the Nairobi-Naivasha SGR line has been muted compared to the Mombasa-Nairobi line, which was opened in May 2017 with great fanfare.
State House spokesperson Kanze Dena remained non-committal on whether President Uhuru Kenyatta would flag off the train to Suswa, saying she could not confirm the President's presence at the event.
China Communications and Construction Company, which built the Nairobi-Naivasha line, has been conducting test runs on the new line ahead of its launch.
The new railway has 12 stations, including five in Kajiado County, one in Kiambu, two in Nakuru, and three in Narok County.
The Transport ministry had initially quoted a cost of Sh21 billion for the upgrade of the old line, but the plan to modernize the old line is yet to be approved.
Official data showed that SGR generated sales of Sh5.7 billion last year on the back of the cargo business, highlighting the importance of the cargo business in driving sales.
