Presidents of Kenya and Uganda launch next phase of cross-border railway
Kenya and Uganda Advance Regional Integration with Standard Gauge Railway Expansion
Kenya and Uganda Advance Regional Integration with Standard Gauge Railway Expansion
The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, aimed at enhancing connectivity between East Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has entered a new phase. The Kenyan President, William Ruto, announced the commencement of the 107-kilometre Kisumu-Malaba section, which will complete a nearly one thousand kilometre rail link from Mombasa to Malaba, connecting further to the Malaba-Kampala line.
The Chinese-funded extension is planned to reach the Uganda border by June of next year. This development is expected to alleviate road congestion, reduce accidents and transportation costs, and bolster transnational trade.
The Kenyan President, William Ruto, announced the commencement of the 107-kilometre Kisumu-Malaba section, which will complete a nearly one thousand kilometre rail link from Mombasa to Malaba, connecting further to the Malaba-Kampala line.
Uganda's President, Yoweri Museveni, emphasized the strategic shift of heavy cargo transportation from road to railways and the transfer of petroleum products to pipelines, highlighting the project's significance in regional logistics.
The railway, which currently operates between the Kenyan port of Mombasa and the capital Nairobi, has significantly contributed to Kenya's debt to China. Further financing from Beijing is contingent upon the completion of the railway extension to Uganda.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
