This September, residents and businesses from the western parts of Kenya will start enjoying cargo and passenger train services in a major boost to the transport network in the country.
Passenger train services will follow cargo services upon completion of the 23.5 kilometre new link from Naivasha to Longonot and rehabilitation of old rail track from Nakuru to Malaba.
Construction and rehabilitation works started last year and are set for completion in six months, setting the stage for passengers to combine the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the metered gauge railway for the journey from the coastal city of Mombasa to Kisumu and Malaba. The scope of works for the project entails clearing of the bushes along the corridor, construction of bridges and culverts, laying of the line where it is extensively damaged and ballasting. Other aspects include eviction of encroachers who have illegally settled on the railway corridor and securing of the corridor.
The project is expected to cost the taxpayer some Kes10 billion.
The return of the services that collapsed in 1980s will, however disrupt businesses for buses and matatus that have enjoyed an unrivaled dominance, hiking fares at will during the peak seasons when demand is at fever-high as Kenyans travel home.
