by Yang Zhen and Naftali Mwaura
NAIROBI, Dec 19 (NNN-XINHUA) – Kenya launched the Nairobi-Naivasha Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) cargo service, and an inland container depot (ICD), that are expected to revolutionise transport of bulk cargo to the east Africa nation’s hinterland and neighbours.
Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta and Chinese State Councillor, Wang Yong, were among dignitaries who graced the launch in the resort town of Naivasha.
“Today, we mark the commencement of the freight train services to the Naivasha Inland Container Depot; thus making an unequivocal statement that we, as a people, are ready to ascend,” said Kenyatta.
The freight service launch came, after the Nairobi-Naivasha SGR passenger service was inaugurated on Oct 16, this year. The 120 km Nairobi-Naivasha railway is an extension of the Chinese-built modern railway that connects Kenya’s coastal port city of Mombasa to the capital Nairobi. The Mombasa-Nairobi SGR was launched in 2017.
Kenyatta said, the commencement of freight transport along the Nairobi-Naivasha SGR corridor, that is part of the proposed Mombasa-Nairobi-Kisumu/Malaba SGR project, will stimulate investments and economic growth in the Kenyan hinterland.
He said, operation of the SGR phase 2A freight service and Naivasha’s dry port, will boost Kenya’s status as a transport and logistics hub.
Kenyatta said, two trains will, on a daily basis, serve the Naivasha ICD, while two shipping lines had already committed to delivering their bulk cargo directly from the port of Mombasa to Naivasha.
Chinese State Councillor, Wang Yong, also the special envoy of Chinese President, Xi Jinping, congratulated Kenya for the launch of the freight transport service.
Wang said, the project showcased the mutual benefits and shared development through China-Africa cooperation, adding that China will adhere to the principles of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith, and the approach of upholding justice while pursuing shared interest in China-Africa cooperation.
James Macharia, Kenyan cabinet secretary for transport and infrastructure, said, the commissioning of Nairobi-Naivasha freight service and inland container depot, will revolutionise transportation and handling of bulk cargo.
“The launch of SGR freight service presents a safe and reliable mode of transporting bulk cargo. It will enhance regional integration and competitiveness of our economy,” said Macharia.– NNN-XINHUA
