This archive report was first published on 16 October 2019.
On October 16, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta launched Phase 2A of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, a KSh150 billion initiative connecting Nairobi to Suswa, covering 120 kilometres.
The project, which took three years to complete, was undertaken by China Communication Construction Company as the main contractor.
Once the project reaches its full potential, it will connect Naivasha to Mombasa via Nairobi, easing the movement of goods.
Criticism ¶
However, the SGR Phase 2A may be underutilized as it ends in an area far from any major town or population.
Furthermore, low cargo volumes for the Mombasa Nairobi SGR may haunt the new line due to delays in the completion of cargo ports at Mai Mahiu and Naivasha.
The Chinese government's decision to cut funding for the extension of the line to Kisumu, citing viability concerns, may also limit the completion of the SGR Phase 2A line.
The launch comes as protests ensue in Mombasa over economic woes arising from a directive forcing cargo owners to use the SGR.
