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7 Benefits of Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway

The facility is expected to offer many economic and social benefits.

Updated

Mombasa terminus in Miritini.
The Mombasa terminus in Miritini. PHOTO | COURTESY

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.

RELATED: A to Z of Kenya Standard Gauge Railway

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.

Albert Andeso holds a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nairobi. He has extensive experience in construction and has been involved in many roads, bridges, and buildings projects.