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Transport Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, on Thursday, December 15, revealed that the Government was seeking a collaborative partnership with the Chinese Government to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Mai Mahiu to Malaba.
In talks spearheaded by President William Ruto, Kenya proposed a five-year plan to extend SGR from Suswa to Malaba and into Uganda.
The multi-billion dollar railway line will run through Narok, Bomet, Nyamira, Kisumu, to Malaba.
“In the long run, we would like to complete the connection of the SGR from Suswa to Kisumu through Bomet, Nyamira, parts of Kisii and then to Malaba. Later, we can think of upgrading the existing Metre Gauge Railway via Nakuru to Kisumu and via Eldoret to Malaba,” read Murkomen’s statement.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen speaking at an event on December 6, 2022.
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Kipchumba Murkomen
The CS highlighted that the Kenya Kwanza Government was eager to upgrade its railway, noting that the transport system was more affordable.
He also indicated that the railway networks are secure for the transportation of goods, and a source of stable jobs.
“There is no need for the railway to be taken to the bush. We will take it to the city of Nakuru, Eldoret and then to Kisumu and thereafter connect it to Uganda,” Murkomen stated.
According to the former Elgeyo Marakwet Senator, the SGR should connect the busy Nakuru city to other parts of the African continent ordinarily.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni had ordered his Transport Minister to ensure that the country’s SGR reaches the Kenyan border.
Meanwhile, Murkomen also commissioned the Rail Mounted Gantry cranes to ease the loading and offloading of containers from trailers to SGR and MGR trains.
“We are also keen to utilise rail transport which is fast, safe, and cheaper to enhance transportation of goods and people. We will also be working to restore passenger trains along the old MGR routes,” Murkomen noted.
The CS stated that the Government would increase the number of wagons and coaches on several routes, including the Kisumu line.
The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train readies for takeoff.
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