This archive report was first published on 3 November 2019.
Published on November 3, 2019, by The Standard, acting Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) managing director Philip Mainga has spoken about the impact of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) on traffic congestion in the country.
Mainga noted that the public is unaware of the role of the railway in decongesting other modes of transport, especially Nairobi's roads, which are notorious for traffic snarl-ups. He stated that the government is offering consumers an alternative mode of transportation through railways.
According to Mainga, the SGR has seen significant growth in passenger numbers, with an average of 8.2 trains per day and 10 to 14 freight trains per day. Passenger numbers have gone up to 7,000 per day, and since the start of operations, the SGR has catered to a total of 3.5 million passengers.
Mainga also highlighted the efficiency of the SGR, stating that they have never lost even a single minute to delays over the three years they have been in operation. He emphasized that the SGR offers an incomparable, affordable, and effective convenience, with a second-class coach ticket costing Sh2,000 and a first-class ticket costing Sh6,000 between Nairobi and Mombasa.
Regarding cargo numbers, Mainga stated that the SGR has seen 14 trains per day, with a cumulative number of around 4.5 million tonnes. They are expected to soon hit the 5-million tonne mark.
Mainga also addressed concerns about the Naivasha to Malaba Metre-Gauge Railway (MGR) line, stating that the plan to link the SGR to the MGR is still on course. He noted that concerns have been raised about the debt implication, and the government has decided to engage a private investor for the project through a joint venture.
Mainga also responded to complaints about high fares on the Ngong-Rongai route, stating that the fare from Ngong to the SGR station is Sh100, and the total cost is Sh150. He compared this to the matatus that charge as high as Sh250 from the railway station to Ngong when it rains.
Mainga also addressed concerns about Kenyans being given low-cadre jobs at the SGR, stating that this is no longer true. He noted that initially, the Chinese were in control, but this changed in the second year, and now in the third year, they have a deputy general manager and four other managers running the system. He also stated that they are now at 90% in terms of skills transfer to the locals.
