KAM Meets Kenya Railways on the Implementation of SGR Phase 2

Kenya Association of Manufacturers held a meeting with the Managing Director of Kenya Railways, Mr Atanas Maina, aimed at clarifying concerns emerging in the implementation of SGR Phase two and proposed SGR Freight Rates.

Originally, SGR Phase 2 was to pass through Nairobi-Naivasha-Nakuru-Eldoret-Bungoma to Malaba with a branch line to Kisumu. However, the original route was replaced with the current approved route, which will pass through Nairobi – Mai Mahiu – suswa – Narok – Bomet – Sondu – Ahero – Kisumu – Yala – Mumias to Malaba.

Kenya Railway pointed out that a feasibility study was conducted under which the Nairobi – Mai Mahiu – suswa – Narok – Bomet – Sondu – Ahero – Kisumu – Yala – Mumias to Malaba route was preferred and approved due to projected low cost of construction, access to geothermal fields that would provide cheaper energy from prospective industries along the SGR Route and potential for increasing economic activities to in the southern part of Kenya through access to transport.

Kenya Railways further mentioned that Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) will fall under Kenya Revenue administration, and there are plans for the government rehabilitate and modernise MGR, which will serve industries in Nakuru and Eldoret.

KAM was urged to take advantage of Industrial zones at Mai Mahiu and Kisumu in order to benefit from both the land and SGR transport and vast industrial zones that are yet to be utilized.