Wednesday, July 3, 2024
reading time: 3 minutes
Kenya’s capital Nairobi recently received an additional 20 passenger trains from China’s CRRC, boosting the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line. The delivery is part of a 2023 contract to replenish the Chinese-built Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). The trains delivered by CRRC consist of first and second class coaches, dining cars, power cars and business class coaches. The addition brings the total number of cars supplied by CRRC for the SGR to more than 60 units, with the first 41 trains delivered in 2017. The introduction of these new trains represents a major upgrade in the quality and efficiency of railway service in Kenya, which has historically relied on a slow and inefficient narrow gauge railway built in 1896.
Historical context and development
The development of the Standard Gauge Railway was a major project initiated under the Belt and Road Initiative and led by Chinese companies. Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta prioritized improving the railway connection between Nairobi and Mombasa, viewing it as a key infrastructure project. When it was inaugurated in 2017, Kenyatta described the Standard Gauge Railway as a “new chapter” for Kenya, highlighting its importance by noting that after 122 years, Kenyans finally had a modern railway system. The upgraded railway has significantly reduced travel time between the two cities and improved the overall efficiency of freight and passenger transport.
Impact on the travel industry
The enhancement of the Nairobi-Mombasa railway line with the addition of modern passenger trains is expected to have a significant impact on the travel industry in Kenya. With the addition of first, second, business and dining class carriages, the Nairobi-Mombasa railway line now offers a variety of travel experiences that cater to the different needs and preferences of passengers. This upgrade is expected to attract more travelers, both local and international, who are looking for a convenient and efficient mode of transportation.
- Increase passenger capacityThe addition of the new vehicles increases the passenger capacity of the Nairobi-Mombasa railway line, allowing more people to travel between Nairobi and Mombasa comfortably.
- Enhanced travel experienceThe variety of car classes and the availability of on-board dining options enhance the overall travel experience, making rail travel a more attractive option compared to road travel.
Maintenance and Sustainability
In addition to supplying the trains, CRRC has set up a maintenance and repair workshop in Kenya to ensure the vehicles are maintained. This is crucial to the long-term sustainability and operation of the SGR, ensuring that the trains remain in top condition and able to provide reliable service to passengers. The maintenance facility represents a commitment to continuously support and develop Kenya’s railway infrastructure, and to strengthening the partnership between Kenya and China that goes beyond the initial construction and delivery of trains.
Economic and regional benefits
The development of the high-speed railway and subsequent upgrades have wider implications for Kenya’s economy and regional connectivity. By providing a faster and more efficient mode of transport, the high-speed railway facilitates faster and smoother movement of goods and people, boosting trade and tourism. Improved railway infrastructure could help attract more tourists to Kenya’s major attractions in both Nairobi and Mombasa, further stimulating the local economy.
The delivery of 20 additional passenger trains to Nairobi by China’s CRRC marks a significant step in the ongoing development of Kenya’s railway infrastructure. This upgrade is set to have a profound impact on the travel industry, providing increased capacity, enhanced travel experiences and supporting economic growth through improved connectivity. The historical context of the SGR development, coupled with strategic maintenance efforts, underscores the importance of this project in modernizing Kenya’s transport network and enhancing long-term benefits for the country.
