Infrastructure
7 Benefits of Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway
The facility is expected to offer many economic and social benefits.
The Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) was inaugurated on June 1, 2017, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s transportation infrastructure.
The Mombasa-Nairobi SGR, construction of which began in November 2013, is 472.3 kilometres long – with 442.6 kilometres running at grade and the remaining 29.7 kilometres comprising the total bridge length.
Built at a cost of Sh327 billion, the railway project was 90% funded by the China Exim Bank, with Kenya financing the remaining 10%.
The railway is designed with an axle load of 25 tonnes and has the capacity to move up to 22 million tonnes of cargo annually at a speed of 80-100km/hr for freight trains and up to 120km/hr for passenger trains.
This article outlines the benefits of the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, focusing on its impact on transportation efficiency, cost reduction, economic growth, and environmental considerations.
Port decongestion
- The SGR cargo trains provide a fast, efficient, and reliable transportation mode, aiding in the decongestion of the port of Mombasa.
- Ensures timely movement of goods from the port to the hinterlands, reducing delays.
Affordable freight
- The SGR reduces the cost of transporting cargo from Mombasa to the hinterlands.
- Estimated cost savings with SGR cargo trains – Sh50,000 per container compared to Sh90,000 by road (Mombasa to Nairobi).
Economic growth
- The government anticipates a boost to Kenya’s GDP growth by at least 1.5% during the SGR’s operation.
- Expected economic growth is seen as a means to repay the Chinese loans associated with the project.
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Streamlined travel
- Passengers benefit from faster and more economical travel compared to the lengthy bus trips between Nairobi and Mombasa.
- Reduces wear and tear on highways, subsequently lowering road maintenance costs.
Accidents reduction
- Drastically decreases the number of heavy trucks on the road, leading to a safer environment for human traffic.
- The potential reduction in traffic accidents is a notable societal benefit.
Industrial boost
- Facilitates industrialization through cheaper transport, encouraging the establishment of new industries to support and service the railway.
Environmental impact
- Mitigates environmental concerns by reducing carbon emissions associated with cargo transportation.
- Aligns with global efforts towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions.
Challenges and Considerations:
Economic viability concerns
- A 2009 study raises concerns about the economic viability of the SGR, citing potential marginal benefits.
- Strategies to incentivize businesses to use the SGR for cargo transportation need to be devised.
Cargo transport laws
- There’s speculation about the introduction of legislation requiring certain cargo to be transported by rail, aiming to shift freight away from the Mombasa-Nairobi highway.
World Bank study
- A 2013 World Bank study suggests that the railway’s economic sense hinges on attracting additional rail freight, emphasizing the need for strategies to meet or exceed the recommended freight volume.