Kenyan leader says Nairobi-Naivasha SGR to stimulate economic growth

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday launched the Nairobi-Naivasha Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Project.

The project is the phase A of Nairobi-Malaba SGR Project, which starts from the Kenyan capital city to Malaba, a border city between Kenya and Uganda.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Kenyatta said the modern railway line, funded by China's Exim Bank, will unleash economic prosperity in the greater eastern African region.

"The project will enhance movement of people and goods. It will stimulate economic growth along the route where it will pass," Kenyatta said.

He added that the railway line will catalyze Kenya's industrial transformation, and position the country as an investments hub.

"We are in the process of setting up industrial parks in Mombasa and Naivasha and the project will hasten realization of that goal," said Kenyatta, adding that the project will create new jobs for local youth.

Being an extension of the Nairobi-Mombasa SGR, the Nairobi-Naivasha SGR project is implemented by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).

According to the CCCC, the project has a route length of 120.4 km, crossing five Kenyan counties, namely Nairobi, Kajiado, Kiambu, Nakuru and Narok, with construction period of 54 months.

"We will endeavor to construct a railway of the highest quality standard with elaborate organization and scientific management. Nairobi-Naivasha SGR will become a railway of friendship, sustainability and win-win cooperation, contributing even more to the social-economic development and to the prosperity of the people of Kenya," said Chen Yun, Vice President of CCCC. Endit