This archive report was first published on 16 October 2019.
On October 16, 2019, the Sh150 billion Nairobi-Naivasha standard gauge railway was set to open with passenger services, but the start of cargo business remained uncertain.
The project has been plagued by delays and controversies, including the upgrade of the line to Malaba, which was initially scheduled to start in June, then pushed to August, and later put on hold due to lack of approval.
The dry port in Naivasha, a crucial component of the project, is also not ready, partly due to political wrangles.
Kenya initiated the SGR project to facilitate seamless transportation of cargo from Mombasa to Uganda, but the country has borrowed heavily to make part of this commitment a reality.
Efficient management of costs is crucial to ensure the project's success, as anything else would be a bumpy ride for the train investment that has been criticized for its huge costs and suspect compensations.
