Kenya's railway boosts trade and connectivity significantly

Kenya's Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), inaugurated in 2017, has transformed transport between the two cities. Travel time has decreased from 12 hours by road to 4.5 hours by train, significantly improving freight transport efficiency. The railway, built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, has boosted trade for Kenya and neighboring landlocked countries. It has also reduced road congestion and accidents, while creating over 30,000 jobs during construction and ongoing employment in operations. Despite its successes, the SGR faces challenges, including concerns over debt from Chinese loans and stalled plans for extensions to Uganda. The Kenyan government is exploring options to expand the railway and enhance regional connectivity.