This archive report was first published on 16 October 2019.
On October 16, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the second phase of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), a project that has been plagued by funding challenges.
Speaking at the launch, President Kenyatta dismissed concerns that the SGR was a 'railway to nowhere', assuring Kenyans that the government would ensure the project reaches its intended destination.
Mr. Kenyatta had joined other leaders in the maiden train ride on the newly-completed Section 2B of the SGR project, which he described as the end of Phase 2A but the beginning of another phase.
He broke ground for the construction of a 1,000-acre dry port located between the Maai Mahiu and Suswa stations, which will improve cargo logistics and create jobs.
The commuter train launched on Wednesday will decongest the city, with the Suswa terminal expected to boost tourists' transport to the Maasai Mara, said the President.
Mr. Kenyatta's pledge to complete the SGR comes in the backdrop of funding challenges that will see the line stop at Suswa for now, may leave Kenya with the option of borrowing more to realise the project after it increased the borrowing ceiling to Sh9 trillion.
