This archive report was first published on 16 October 2019.
On Wednesday, President Uhuru Kenyatta officially opened the Sh 150 billion Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) route 2B, marking a significant milestone in Kenya's transportation infrastructure.
As part of the second phase of the SGR project, the new route will enable commuters to travel from Syokimau to Suswa, covering a distance of approximately 100 kilometres.
During the launch ceremony, President Kenyatta acknowledged the challenges faced by the project, particularly in getting the railway line past Suswa. However, he reassured Kenyans that the government remains committed to completing the project and maximizing its economic benefits.
“Just like we completed the Mombasa-Nairobi section, we will also ensure this project gets to its destination. There will be challenges along the way but that does not mean we will not do it,” President Kenyatta said.
The commuter services between the Syokimau Station and Suswa are expected to start today, with passengers paying Sh200 for a one-way trip. Daily commuter services from Ngong and Nairobi termini will also commence from Monday to Friday, with fares set at Sh100 per trip.
Regional leaders, including Transport CS James Macharia and Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, accompanied the president on the maiden train ride.
