The Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) has transformed Kenya’s transport sector, offering a faster, more efficient alternative for both passengers and freight.
Since its inauguration in 2017, the railway has significantly boosted trade, reduced road congestion, and enhanced regional connectivity, solidifying its role as one of the most important infrastructure projects in the country’s history.
Constructed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) at a cost of $3.6 billion (£2.7 billion), the railway was largely financed through a loan from the Export-Import Bank of China. Work began in 2014, and by May 31, 2017, the railway was officially launched by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Designed to replace the outdated meter-gauge railway built during British colonial rule, the SGR spans 472 kilometers (368 miles) from the coastal city of Mombasa to Nairobi, cutting travel time between the two cities significantly.
The Nairobi–Naivasha extension, which adds another 120 kilometers, was completed in 2019, further expanding the railway’s reach into Kenya’s interior.
While plans to extend the line to Kisumu and Uganda remain in place, financial challenges have delayed progress. Since its launch, the SGR has provided a more efficient means of transport for passengers and cargo. Travel between Mombasa and Nairobi, which once took up to 12 hours by road, now takes just 4.5 hours by train.
Freight transport has also seen major improvements, with goods reaching their destinations in under 10 hours, a significant improvement compared to the two-day journey by road. Businesses, particularly those relying on imports and exports, have benefited from faster and more cost-effective cargo movement.
The railway has also boosted trade for landlocked countries like Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan, which rely on the Port of Mombasa for imports.
The railway’s impact extends beyond transport efficiency. By reducing the number of heavy trucks on the Mombasa-Nairobi Highway, the SGR has helped ease traffic congestion and lower road maintenance costs. The shift from road to rail has also contributed to fewer accidents, making transportation safer for both passengers and freight.
The SGR has played a crucial role in job creation and skills development. During its construction, over 30,000 jobs were created for Kenyan workers, many of whom received specialised training in railway technology and operations.
Since opening, the railway has continued to employ thousands in various roles, from operations to security and maintenance.
It has further boosted Kenya’s tourism sector by making travel between Nairobi and Mombasa easier and more affordable. Popular attractions like Tsavo National Park, located along the route, have seen increased visitor numbers, benefiting the local tourism industry.
Despite its successes, the SGR has not been without challenges. The reliance on Chinese loans has raised concerns over Kenya’s debt burden, with critics questioning the financial sustainability of the project.
There has also been controversy over policies that initially required importers to use the railway for cargo transport instead of trucks, leading to tensions with truck operators and logistics businesses. Additionally, the anticipated extension to Uganda, which was meant to enhance regional trade, remains stalled due to funding constraints.
But the Kenyan government continues to explore ways to expand the railway, with hopes of completing the Western extension and integrating the SGR into the broader East African Railway Master Plan.
If successful, this expansion would not only strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional transport hub but also further unlock economic opportunities across East Africa.