President William Ruto…Photo/CG
NAIROBI, Kenya
William Ruto on Thursday said Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is delivering economic returns and positioning the country as a regional trade hub, citing rising freight and passenger revenues since construction began in 2014.
“Today we complete a national vision to connect Kenya more efficiently, lower the cost of doing business and firmly position our country at the center of trade in the Great Lakes region and across the continent,” Ruto said.
The president said freight operations on the railway generate more than 1.3 billion shillings monthly, while passenger revenue has grown by about 40%, describing it as “evidence of a modern railway that is working and delivering for our economy.”
Recent figures show the railway’s total annual revenue has continued to grow, driven largely by cargo transport, with freight contributing the bulk of earnings as more businesses shift from road to rail due to efficiency and cost advantages.
Cargo volumes have steadily increased in recent years, supported by inland container depots and government policies encouraging the use of rail for bulk imports.
Passenger numbers have also rebounded, reflecting growing demand for intercity travel between Nairobi and Mombasa.
The SGR, launched in 2017, remains a central pillar of Kenya’s infrastructure strategy and is intended to eventually connect with neighboring countries, strengthening regional trade links across East and Central Africa.
Analysts, however, note that while revenues are rising, the railway still faces pressure to meet operational costs and service construction debt, making sustained growth in cargo volumes critical to its long-term viability.
Ruto said the government will continue expanding transport infrastructure to cement Kenya’s role as a gateway for regional commerce.
