This archive report was first published on 16 October 2019.
On October 16, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta officially launched the SGR Phase 2A, a significant milestone in Kenya's transportation infrastructure.
The Nairobi – Naivasha line has been a massive undertaking, with a price tag of Sh150 billion. The challenging terrain necessitated the construction of long tunnels and bridges, with a total of 7.15 km of tunnels and 29 bridges built.
Passenger services are set to commence on Wednesday, with cargo services scheduled to start at a later date. Kenya Railways has already released a schedule for the stations between Nairobi and Suswa.
The fares for the SGR Phase 2A will range from Sh50 to Sh200 for economy class and up to Sh650 for first class.
Unlike the launch of the Mombasa – Nairobi line, the SGR Phase 2A has not received the same level of pomp and colour, with some dubbing it the 'line to nowhere' due to China's lack of commitment to funding the remaining section to Malaba.
However, despite the lack of fanfare, the quality of the work is commendable, with stunning stations built along the line.
Some of the passenger stations on the SGR Phase 2A include Ongata Rongai, Ngong, Maai Mahiu, and Suswa.
