This archive report was first published on 17 October 2019.
On October 17, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta officially opened the second phase of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, reaffirming his commitment to complete the project to its original destination at Malaba.
Speaking during the maiden train ride on the newly completed Section 2B, President Kenyatta acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead in extending the railway beyond Suswa, where it currently terminates. However, he assured Kenyans that the government will ensure the project reaches its intended destination, despite any obstacles that may arise.
"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," Mr Kenyatta said.
The commuter services between the Syokimau Station and Suswa (approximately 100 kilometres) are set to commence on the same day, with passengers expected to pay Sh200 for a one-way trip. Additionally, daily commuter services from Ngong and Nairobi termini will operate from Monday to Friday, with commuters paying Sh100 per trip.
The pledge to complete the SGR comes in the backdrop of funding challenges that have raised concerns about the economic viability of the Sh150 billion project. Regional leaders, including Transport CS James Macharia and his devolution counterpart Eugene Wamalwa, accompanied the President on the train ride.
